Watkinsheading ‘ home’toSalford

RUGBY LEAGUE: England star Kallum Watkins has signed with Salford Red Devils – hopefully ending a turbulent spell that has seen the former Leeds Rhinos centre link up with three different clubs already this year.

Having won three Grand Finals with Leeds – where he played more than 250 games

– he joined Gold Coast Titans in June of last year.

Watkins asked for an early release, though, after his father contracted Covid and he moved back to the UK to link up with Toronto Wolfpack on a threeyear deal in May.

However, with the sport shutdown due to the pandemic, he never actually played for the Canadian franchise who pulled out of this Super League campaign in July after hitting significant financial issues which leaves their future still in doubt.

Watkins, instead, has opted for a move to Salford, signing a three- year contract with immediate effect.

He was a season ticket holder and ball boy there when growing up and it is hoped he will now be able to get back to his best having seen recent seasons blighted by the after- effects of a 2018 knee reconstruction.

Watkins, 29, said: “It’s great to be part of the team and representing Salford will be an honour for me.

“I know it’s been a long time coming in a sense, but I grew up wanting to play rugby league and Salford was key to my development.

“The club means a great deal to me. If I hadn’t had those opportunities to support the club and be a ball boy growing up, you don’t know what would have happened.

“I might not be in the position I am, without having those influences.

“My family are really excited and really proud.

“We’ve talked about how good it would be to play for Salford, but also wanting to achieve something big with the club.”