Former Leeds Rhinos captain Kallum Watkins excited to play under Brian McDermott at Toronto Wolfpack

England international Kallum Watkins is looking forward to working with Brian McDermott again after reuniting with his former Leeds Rhinos head coach at Toronto Wolfpack.
Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com - 01/03/2019 - Rugby League - Betfred Super League - Leeds Rhinos v Wakefield Trinity - Emerald Headingley Stadium, Leeds, England - Kallum Watkins.Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com - 01/03/2019 - Rugby League - Betfred Super League - Leeds Rhinos v Wakefield Trinity - Emerald Headingley Stadium, Leeds, England - Kallum Watkins.
Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com - 01/03/2019 - Rugby League - Betfred Super League - Leeds Rhinos v Wakefield Trinity - Emerald Headingley Stadium, Leeds, England - Kallum Watkins.

England international Kallum Watkins is looking forward to working with Brian McDermott again after reuniting with his former Leeds Rhinos head coach at Toronto Wolfpack.

The experienced centre was granted a release from the Gold Coast Titans last month ahead of a move to the Canadian club but the three-year deal was only officially ratified yesterday.

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Watkins won Super League titles and Challenge Cups under McDermott at Headingley before the coach was sacked in 2018.

The 29-year-old moved to the NRL last June but asked for a release due to family reasons and now he is looking to get cracking again once the sport resumes after coronavirus. His father actually contracted the illness, prompting his return, but he said: “I had a great time over there.

“I wish the Titans all the success in the world. I know they will turn things round at the club.

“There has been a lot going on back home, and then when I heard about my dad I had to come back.

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“I wanted to succeed in the NRL but I had to put my family first, and now I’m excited to be back playing in the Super League.

Leeds Rhinos v Toronto Wolfpack.
Toronto's head coach Brian McDermott.
Picture Jonathan Gawthorpe
5th March 2020.Leeds Rhinos v Toronto Wolfpack.
Toronto's head coach Brian McDermott.
Picture Jonathan Gawthorpe
5th March 2020.
Leeds Rhinos v Toronto Wolfpack. Toronto's head coach Brian McDermott. Picture Jonathan Gawthorpe 5th March 2020.

“The opportunity to play for Toronto is really exciting and I’m really looking forward to working with the team.

“I know this club wants to be successful and I want to play my part in that.

“I just want to work and enjoy my rugby. It is also an exciting opportunity to work with Brian McDermott once again.

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“He’s supported me through the majority of my career, not only in helping me improve as a player but also as a leader, which is something I can use on and off the field.”

Meanwhile, Leeds will not be punished for failing to play their game against Catalans Dragons in March due to what the Rugby Football League describes as “truly exceptional” circumstances.

The West Yorkshire club postponed their Super League fixture in Perpignan, scheduled for Saturday March 14, on the eve of the game after one of their players showed symptoms of the coronavirus.

The RFL said there could be sanctions but yesterday announced their decision on the matter in the following statement.

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It read: “In accordance with the Operational Rules, and having considered all the circumstances which it was noted were truly exceptional, the RFL Board has determined that the match should be replayed and the Compliance Manager has determined that no other disciplinary action should be taken.

“Leeds have been reminded, and have accepted, that the Operational Rules are in place to ensure the smooth operation and integrity of the professional Rugby League competitions – and that in more usual circumstances the failure to fulfil a fixture would have led to significant sanctions.”

Rugby league hopes to resume playing again in August if government guidelines and health and safety requirements are met.

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