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New Leeds Rhinos deal for Kallum Watkins
Kallum Watkins.
Twenty-year-old centre Kallum Watkins has become the latest player to commit his long-term future to Leeds Rhinos.
Watkins’ previous contract has been replaced by a new five-year deal which will keep him at the club until the end of 2016.
England winger Ryan Hall penned a similar-length contract last week and Rhinos boss Brian McDermott described the latest re-signing as “another piece of great news for our club”.
Watkins – who has scored 19 tries in 42 senior appearances for Leeds – said: “It is really exciting to be part of the Rhinos squad at present and I had no hesitation in signing a new contract with the club.
“We have got some fantastic young players here and the club have made it clear they want to build for the future on the back of our recent success.
“I was disappointed to miss out on the Grand Final last year, but it has been massive boost to my confidence to be awarded the No 3 shirt for this season.
“I have to make sure I go out there week-in, week-out now and make sure I keep hold of it and do my best for the team. “
Watkins is expected to be among the starting line-up when Rhinos begin their Stobart Super League campaign at home to Hull KR in eight days’ time.
He added: “We have got a tough start to the season, but the feeling is great in the camp at the moment and things will move up a gear next week as we build up to the Hull KR game.
“Everyone is excited about the World Club Challenge as well, against Manly. I have been fortunate to play in two previous World Club Challenge games, but ended up on the losing side on both occasions.
“In those two games, I got my chance because someone else was injured, but I want to be in the team on my own merit this time around so it is important that I start well against Hull KR next week.”
Manchester-born Watkins joined Rhinos in 2007 and made his first team debut the following year, aged 16.
He was a member of last year’s Carnegie Challenge Cup final team, but aggravated a knee injury during the defeat by Wigan Warriors and did not play another competitive game for the club in 2012 .
That was the latest in a series of injury problems, but boss McDermott reckons Watkins has a bright future.
“Kallum is an exciting young player who has proved he can perform at the highest level,” said the coach.
“I know he is now hoping to do that on a consistent basis after unfortunate injuries have frustrated him in the past as he looked to get a run of games under his belt.
“He was an important player for us in our Cup run last season and he has looked good in pre-season training, having added bulk to his power and pace.”
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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Temperature: 8 C to 21 C
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d4mo78
Thursday, January 26, 2012 at 06:58 PMGreat 'signing' by Leeds. Definitely a future international if he can avoid injuries. I'm looking forward to the Watkins and Hardaker combination this year. Leeds Utd could learn a thing or too about signing up players before their contracts run out
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