Leeds Rhinos centre Kallum Watkins signs new deal

Kallum Watkins, currently on international duty in Australia with England for the Four Nations, has signed a new five-year deal with his club, Leeds Rhinos who are 5/1 with Coral to win the Super League next season.

The 23-year-old centre scored in the opening game against Samoa, as England narrowly recorded a 32-26 victory over the Pacific Island side, which was his seventh try in nine caps for his country. For the Rhinos, he has scored 72 tries in 128 appearances, since his debut in 2008, winning four Grand Finals and one Challenge Cup with the west Yorkshire outfit.

On signing his new deal, Watkins admitted there was never any other option as far as he was concerned.

“I never wanted to play for any other club than Leeds and I am pleased we have been able to agree a new deal that keeps me here for the future. I have got a young family and the chance to be part of this team as we develop over the next few years is something I am very excited about,” Watkins said.

“The Cup Final last year was very special and it has whetted the appetite for what is to come in 2015. We were all disappointed that we could not get back to Old Trafford last season but I am sure that will drive us on in pre-season to make sure we are ready to go one better in next season.”

Going on to comment about the strength of the team he is playing in, and future aspirations, the Rhinos back continued: “We have got a tremendous group of players at the Rhinos and a great coaching team and together I think we can achieve even more over the next few years. The last decade has been an incredible time for the Rhinos and it has been special to be part of that. Our challenge is now to build on that and continue that period of success in the years to come.”

Watkins can now concentrate on helping England win the Four Nations, though first up is a tough match against Australia. If they can upset the World Cup winners, their 7/1 odds will dramatically shorten.