Morgan Smithies is set to miss the Rugby League World Cup in what could prove a big blow to an England team heavily reliant on their NRL stars.
The Canberra Raiders forward Smithies picked up an injury in training just days before Saturday’s opener for England against Tonga in Perth, the city where the second-row is due to play for the new Bears outfit next season.
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Smithies has been replaced by Leeds Rhinos veteran Kallum Watkins, who will at least bring real experience to the England camp as he gets set to play in his fourth World Cup, having previously featured in the 2013, 2017 and 2022 editions.
Famously, Watkins, now 35, was at the heart of the most frustrating moment for England in the 2017 World Cup final in Brisbane when his team were 6-0 down to Australia in the 64th minute.
He broke clear, looking set to either score or assist on a try until a desperate ankle tap from Josh Dugan thwarted him in full cry, a moment that set up the win for the Kangaroos.
“It’s really unfortunate what has happened to Morgan with an injury picked up in training,” said England coach Brian McDermott about the 25-year-old, who had been one of 10 NRL players in his squad.
“He’s been great since we entered camp, a real team player and his work ethic and toughness are qualities that we will certainly miss.”
But McDermott has previously worked closely with Watkins during a successful spell at Leeds, noting: “Kallum enjoyed a terrific season with Leeds this year and has been part of our England performance programme building into this World Cup.
“I look forward to welcoming him into camp as we step up our preparations.”
The 32-times capped Watkins, who had a brief spell with the Gold Coast Titans, won’t arrive in Perth in time to play in their tough opener against Tonga but is earmarked for their subsequent two group matches against France and Papua New Guinea.
NRL PLAYERS IN ENGLAND’S WORLD CUP SQUAD
Herbie Farnworth (Dolphins)
Dom Young (Newcastle Knights)
Victor Radley (Sydney Roosters)
Hugo Savala (Sydney Roosters)
Max King (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Ben Talty (Brisbane Broncos)
Morgan Knowles (Dolphins)
AJ Brimson (Gold Coast Titans)
Kai Pearce-Paul (Wests Tigers)