Return to form with Castleford Tigers will put Liam Watts in England frame

The 30-year-old was one of seven players stood down from the England squad in November, with the Featherstone-born forward admitting his form throughout 2020 had not been good enough.

It was a disruptive year for many players, with the season put on hold in March due to Covid-19 before eventually resuming behind closed doors in August.

The Tigers struggled upon the campaign’s restart, falling to their lowest finish under head coach Daryl Powell, who has been with the club since 2013. Watts is putting all his focus into improving Castleford’s fortunes on the field, and hopes his own form will force him back into the England squad in time for the World Cup.

“I came out of the England squad for a number of reasons,” said Watts, who has been capped by England Knights and England 9s. “My form has been non-existent, which has been tough. I have been battling a few injuries and niggles which hasn’t allowed me to be consistent.

“I pride myself on consistency. I had a few chats with (England coach) Shaun Wane. If England had to play now, I wouldn’t be playing. He was honest with me in that regard.

“It was a decision that I just needed to concentrate on Castleford. For me, having a good, good 2021 with Castleford Tigers is my main focus.

“If we are up there at the end of the year, challenging for honours, hopefully my form is at its peak and I will have done what I need to put me in good stead.”

One positive for Castleford in an otherwise tough year was seeing hooker Paul McShane awarded the Man of Steel.

Watts feels the award is a testament to the hard work the 31-year-old has put in since joining the Tigers.

“He pushes everybody to the max, he is constantly in peoples’ ears and coming up with new ideas,” said Watts, who joined Castleford in 2018.

“He is a great player to play with. He is a tough kid, I have played against him all my life.

“We had a good few battles in the past but it is nice to see him getting recognised for the hard work he has put in over the last five to six years.”

Watts is looking forward to the 2021 campaign, due to kick-off on March 11, with Castleford adding plenty of quality to their squad.

Niall Evalds has joined from Salford Red Devils while Jordan Turner and Suaia Matagi have signed from Huddersfield Giants and Lewis Bienek has arrived from Hull FC.

Watts feels that Bienek and Matagi give the Tigers plenty of added strength in the pack, while the emergence of a few young players gives Castleford plenty of reasons to be optimistic.

“We have got a few people to bolster us in the pack and some good few additions in the outside backs,” he added.

“It adds a few more dimensions to us.”

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