Watkins out for six months

Leeds centre Kallum Watkins has been ruled out of action for six months after scans revealed the centre has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament and will have a reconstruction in the next few weeks.

Watkins suffered the injury in the first half of the Rhinos 26-20 defeat at Huddersfield last Sunday and underwent scans on Monday to reveal the full extent of the injury.

Commenting on the news Head Coach Brian McClennan said, “This is extremely disappointing news for Kallum and we wish him a speedy recovery. Our medical team will ensure that he receives the best possible care and I am confident he will come back from this set back so early in his career.

“Having spoken to Kallum he is prepared to use this as a challenge to overcome to help him become a better player and I think that speaks volumes for the type of young man he is,” added McClennan.

Watkins joins Carl Ablett (ankle), Scott Donald (shoulder) and Greg Eastwood (wrist) on the long term injured list for the Rhinos whilst Kevin Sinfield has missed the last two games with a dead leg.