Leeds Rhinos star called up to England Rugby League World Cup squad following Morgan Smithies injury

England have been dealt a blow with the news that Morgan Smithies will miss the Rugby League World Cup through injury.

Smithies was one of four absentees for England's opener with Tonga on Saturday and has now been ruled out of the rest of the tournament.

While fellow NRL star Victor Radley is set to start at loose forward against Tonga, Brian McDermott also has Morgan Knowles to call upon, while Ben Currie is an unused squad member for the World Cup opener.

As such, McDermott has turned to Leeds Rhinos' vice captain Kallum Watkins. The versatile 35-year-old has spent plenty of time at loose forward for Leeds over the last two seasons, and can play at second row or centre.

McDermott said: ""It's really unfortunate what has happened to Morgan with an injury picked up in training.

“Morgan has been great since we entered camp. He’s a real team player and his work ethic and toughness are qualities that we will certainly miss.

“Kallum enjoyed a terrific season with Leeds this year and has been part of our England Performance Programme building into this World Cup.

"I look forward to welcoming him into camp as we step up our preparations."

Watkins played in World Cups for England in 2013, 2017 and 2022, scoring in the 2013 semi-final defeat to New Zealand.