Leeds Rhinos have announced that captain Kallum Watkins will depart at the end of the season, despite having two years left on his contract.
The 28-year old will move on due to a salary cap dispute as the fallen giants look to rebuild their squad at the end of what's turning into a disastrous campaign for the club.
Watkins has been on the radar of numerous NRL clubs for several years now, and with over 250 first-grade games under his belt he'd fit the bill for any side looking for an experienced centre for 2020. On top of that he's played 25 times for England too, including the 2017 World Cup Final against Australia.
While Watkins has yet to reveal his future plans, in a statement announcing his exit, he commented, "I am 28 and looking forward to a new challenge whether in Super League or abroad and I wish the club all the best for the years ahead."
Despite suffering a couple of long-term injuries, Watkins is still at an age where he could make an immediate impact in the NRL and if he can regain his best form then one club could be getting themselves a bargain for next year.
He’s a really good centre. The good news is Canberra can’t add another English player to there stacked team in Watkins because Crocker and Leilua are the centres and I doubt that’ll change.
Side note: It says Leeds are wanting to start a rebuild. With rumours of player swaps happening lately what if Parramatta swapped Bevan French (wants to kickstart his career again) for Watkins.
This would give Parra a very strong and experienced backline. It would also give Leeds a player to use in their rebuild who would have a great impact.
1. Gutho
2. Sivo
3. M Jennings
4. Watkins
5. Ferguson
I’d wait and see how Leilua recovers from his injury before ruling Canberra out completely.
Parra’s a great shout though, there’s been a lot of rumours that French will come over to Super League so that could suit both clubs and he’d be a great signing for Leeds.