WAT A BELTER

Rhinos star Kallum's surprise at England call for Ashes clash

- BY JOSH McALLISTER

KALLUM WATKINS is no stranger to heartbreak on the international stage - and the veteran utility thought he'd never get another chance to wear the England jersey after the pain of the 2022 Rugby League World Cup.

But the 34-year-old has earned a recall for the first Ashes series in more than two decades following an impressive mid-season return to Leeds Rhinos from crisis-hit Salford Red Devils.

Watkins' last England appearance came during the 2022 tournament on home soil - a devastating golden-point defeat to Samoa at the Emirates after Stephen Crichton landed the winning drop goal.

"I thought that would be it for me on the international stage," he revealed.

"To be back, it's quite surreal.