Watkins in line for shock return

Injured Leeds centre Kallum Watkins could make a surprise return to action as early as this Sunday against Widnes.

Watkins, 22, suffered an ankle ligament injury in the defeat at Hull three weeks ago, and had been expected to be out for up to two months.

But intensive work with physiotherapist Andy Barker has seen dramatic improvements, and the Rhinos are hopeful he will pass a fitness test later this week.

The England international told the club’s official website: “I did fear the worst when I suffered the injury but Andy Barker and the medical team have been great with me in terms of advice and how to look after myself. 

“Initially it was just keep the wait off it and then once we knew the damange I was able to build to start putting weight on it. The guys are doing it tough at the moment but the young players are really standing up to be counted which is great for the future of the club.”

However, prop Kylie Leuluai, who has missed the last two games against Widnes and Huddersfield, has been ruled out for the next three games with a knee injury.