Rhinos star Watkins says England have the players to beat the Aussies

Leeds Rhinos' Kallum Watkins is enjoying a new lease of life, three years after he thought his international career was over.

- by Peter Smith

Watkins, 34, is the elder statesman in England's squad for the ABK Beer Ashes series against Australia which begins next week at Wembley. The centre turned back-rower hasn't featured for his country since the 2022 World Cup, but outstanding form with Leeds, following a move from Salford Red Devils six months ago, secured a place in coach Shaun Wane's 24-man group.

This autumn is the first time the Ashes have been contested since 2003 and, for Watkins, it will be one of the highlights of a glittering career, on a par with facing Australia in the 2017 World Cup final. Though not included when England's training squad was named in June, he was invited to a recent meeting so knew he had a chance, but he admitted it's still a surprise to find himself back in an England camp.