Kallum Watkins ‘always hoped’ to be back in England fold as he eyes World Cup
Kallum Watkins thought his international dreams had been dashed when he trudged off the pitch at the Emirates Stadium three years ago after England’s heartbreaking World Cup semi-final defeat to Samoa.
A sterling career for his country, starting as a 21-year-old against Wales way back in October 2012, seemed destined to be defined by crushing lows, which also included a narrow World Cup final loss to Australia in Brisbane in 2017.
But at the age of 34, which Watkins readily admits constitutes the “tail-end” of his career, England’s most-capped current player is relishing the prospect of stepping in as an unlikely saviour as they seek to restore some pride against Australia in the third and final Ashes Test at Headingley on Saturday.
The series may have gone, but the incentives are evident for the Leeds Rhinos forward, who may get the chance to win his 31st cap on home turf, and at the same time stake his claim to extend his international involvement into another World Cup in Australia and Papua New Guinea next year.
“I always held out hope, but I didn’t really think it would happen,” said Watkins, who started in last week’s 14-4 defeat at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool, a result that confirmed his country’s 55-year wait to get their hands back on the Rugby League Ashes will continue.
“I’m proud of the memories I’ve made playing for my country. I’ve been on a long journey, and there have been plenty of ups and downs, but I feel like those experiences have pushed me into being a better player and person. Next year’s World Cup is another goal that I didn’t think was realistic at the start of the year.”
Watkins left crisis-hit Salford Red Devils in April to rejoin the club he previously represented for over a decade after emerging from their academy, and his arrival coincided with a surge in fortunes as he starred in the Rhinos’ push into the Super League play-offs.
He is one of three Rhinos players set to feature at Headingley, alongside Mikolaj Oledzki and Harry Newman, who has been drafted into head coach Shaun Wane’s 19-man squad as he looks to avoid a series whitewash.
There was plenty of improvement in England’s display at Everton, but the two defeats have inevitably raised questions about Wane’s future in the role, and a stronger display at Headingley would enhance both credentials and those of a number of squad members angling for involvement in 2026.
“It’s all about getting the win,” added Watkins. “We had the performance last week, but it just came down to the small details that we need to work on. There was a period when we lacked ball control and got punished for it, and that’s what it’s all about at Test match level.
“But we’ve got to put that out of our minds and see it as another opportunity to make a special Test match against the Aussies. We know what it takes to compete with them, and it’s about taking that next step now. We’ve just got to execute our plays and score some points.”