Leeds Rhinos forward Kallum Watkins has been drafted into England’s 19-man side for tomorrow’s (Friday) crucial World Cup showdown with Papua New Guinea.

The 35-year-old was initially left out of England’s squad for the tournament, but flew to Australia after Morgan Smithies suffered an injury in training ahead of the opening game. He didn’t play in either of England’s first two group matches and wasn’t in the 19 named on Tuesday, but has now been called up among the substitutes to face PNG (9.05am kick-off).

World Cup rules allow coaches to name six replacements, but only four can be used. If he gets on the field Watkins will be appearing in his fourth World Cup having also featured in the 2013, 2017 and 2022 tournaments.

Other changes to the squad announced on Monday see Wigan Warriors hooker Brad O’Neill and winger Zach Eckersley take a place on the bench. Warrington Wolves back-rower Ben Currie is now 20th man and Victor Radley (Roosters) and Jack Welsby (St Helens) drop out. England’s semi-final hopes depend on them picking up a big win against PNG and Samoa losing to Tonga on Sunday.

Leeds Rhinos' Kallum Watkins has been called into the England side to face Papua New Guinea. Picture by Mark Kolbe/SWpix.com.

placeholder image — Leeds Rhinos' Kallum Watkins has been called into the England side to face Papua New Guinea. Picture by Mark Kolbe/SWpix.com.

Rhinos’ Evie Cousins is set to make her first appearance of the tournament when England women meet Samoa tomorrow (6.45am). She replaces Huddersfield Giants winger Amelia Brown.

Her Leeds clubmates centre Connie Boyd, hooker Keara Bennett and second-row Lucy Murray are also in the starting lineup. The winners will go through to next week’s semi-finals with the beaten side eliminated.

England men (v Papua New Guinea): AJ Brimson (Gold Coast Titans), Dom Young (Newcastle Knights), Hugo Savala (Sydney Roosters), Herbie Farnworth (Dolphins), Matty Ashton, George Williams (both Warrington Wolves), Harry Smith (Wigan Warriors), Max King (Canterbury Bulldogs), Jez Litten (Hull KR), Luke Thompson, Junior Nsemba (both Wigan), Kai Pearce-Paul (Wests Tigers), Morgan Knowles (Dolphins). Subs Mikey Lewis (Hull KR), Sam Walters, Ethan Havard, Brad O’Neill, Zach Eckersley (all Wigan), Kallum Watkins (Leeds Rhinos).

England Women (v Samoa): Fran Goldthorp (North Queensland Cowboys), Anna Davies, Georgia Wilson (both Wigan Warriors), Connie Boyd, Evie Cousins (both Leeds Rhinos), Isabel Rowe (Wigan), Georgia Roche (Newcastle Knights), Mary Coleman (Wigan), Keara Bennett, Liv Wood (York Valkyrie), Lucy Murray (Leeds), Hollie-Mae Dodd (Canberra Raiders), Megan Williams (Wigan). Subs Jodie Cunningham, Vicky Whitfield (both St Helens), Hope Millard (Canterbury Bulldogs), Lucie Sams, (Wigan).