Leeds Rhinos' Kallum Watkins has become a late addition into Brian McDermott’s England Men’s squad for the Rugby League World Cup.
Experienced Watkins is set to depart for Australia to take the place of Perth Bears-bound Morgan Smithies who has been ruled out via injury.
Should he feature, he will play in his fourth Rugby League World Cup after previously representing his country on home soil in 2013 and 2022 plus Down Under when England progressed to the 2017 final.
Watkins, 35, started out his glittering career as a centre but has transitioned to the pack in recent years.
Equally adept at second-row or loose forward, he played under McDermott at club level during his first stint as a player at Headingley.
McDermott said: "It's really unfortunate what has happened to Morgan with an injury picked up in training.
“Morgan had been great since we entered camp. He’s a real team player and his work ethic and toughness are qualities that we will certainly miss.
“Kallum enjoyed a terrific season with Leeds this year and has been part of our England Performance Programme building into this World Cup.
"I look forward to welcoming him into camp as we step up our preparations."
Watkins, who played in two of last year's three Ashes Tests against Australia, will arrive in Perth ahead of the weekend but is not set to feature in Saturday's opener against Tonga.
All England's World Cup games, including Men's, Women's and Wheelchair, will be broadcast live on Premier Sports.
