Kallum Watkins determined to make it as a centre in the NRL

Drew Darbyshire

Kallum Watkins wants to make it as one of the few English backs to be a star in the NRL.

The former Leeds captain is set to make his NRL debut this Saturday as Gold Coast Titans host Brisbane Broncos.

Watkins – who has earned 21 caps for England – wants to follow in the footsteps of Ellery Hanley and Martin Offiah in being an English back who shines Down Under – a feat not many have achieved before.

He told NRL.com: “I’ve seen some highlights of a few guys that have come out and done well, guys like Ellery Hanley and Martin Offiah.

“I don’t know why it’s been tougher for outside-backs.

“I’ll know more after I play but training-wise it’s pretty similar. It’s a lot more intense but at the same time you play less games here compared to Super League where you play 30 games a season regardless of whether you’re in the [Challenge] Cup or not.

“It’s been difficult for the outside-backs but for me I feel like if I’m going to challenge myself I want to challenge myself here and give it my best.”

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