Former Leeds Rhinos skipper Kallum Watkins "excited" by Toronto Wolfpack move

Kallum Watkins, playing in the second-row, is tackled during his final appearance for Rhinos, a 36-10 defeat at St Helens on June 21 last year. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.

Watkins left Rhinos last summer to join Gold Coast Titans in Australia's NRL, but was released from his contract in April after his father contracted coronavirus.

Wolfpack say the England star has accepted reduced pay for the 2020 season due to the financial squeeze caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The move reunites him with ex-teammates Brad Singleton and Anthony Mullally, as well as McDermott who was his coach for three Grand Final victories and two Challenge Cup wins.

Brian McDermott watches as his Toronto Wolfpack side slump to a 66-12 defeat at Leeds Rhinos in March. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.

"I just want to work and enjoy my rugby and it is also an exciting opportunity to work with Brian McDermott once again," he insisted.

"He has supported me throughout the majority of my career, not only helping me to improve as a player, but also as a leader, which is something I can use on and off the field."

The 29-year-old reckons the Canadian club offer an “exciting opportunity” as he looks to reestablish himself as one of the world’s top centres.

Watkins was at the top of his form in 2017, but a knee injury the following year proved a serious blow.

Ava Seumanufagai and Mikolaj Oledzki get to grips with former Leeds forward Anthony Mullally during Rhinos' big win over Toronto two months ago. Picture by Toronto Wolfpack.

He scored two tries in 19 games for Leeds last year, but was switched into the second-row at times after teenager Harry Newman emerged as a new first-choice centre.

“I came back for family reasons,” Watkins said of his return to Super League.

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

“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.

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

McDermott reckons adding Watkins to his squad, who have yet to win in Betfred Super League, is a "positive move.

“I know first-hand what Kallum can do and we are thrilled he will be joining us on-field once play resumes,” McDermott said.

“This is a testing time for sports teams all over the world and we are no different.

“We are grateful Kallum has shown commitment to our cause by agreeing to our revised pay model alongside his teammates and in line with many other players across our league.”