“I planned my suicide” – former Leeds star opens up on dark days

Kallum Watkins has been renowned throughout his career as someone that has won numerous trophies and someone who has been one of the world’s best centres.

However, one feature of his career that not many people know about is the fact that he contemplated suicide back in 2019 – something which he explained on the Out Of Your League podcast this week.

“I wasn’t playing well, I came back from injury too early and I was at breaking point,” Watkins said.

“I’ve not really said this before, but when we played at home against Wakefield and I was playing against Bill Tupou, I missed about seven tackles on him – he just ran over the top of me.

“I had the worst game ever defensively and I was gone at that point – my head was gone and that weekend I planned my suicide.

“What I was going through in my marriage, it was breaking down and I thought there was nothing left for me.

“I got to the point where I was planning it too and it was going to be in my own home as well.”

However, it was Watkins’ family that changed his mind.

“My kids that weekend really got involved with me then it made me realise I can’t do that.

“I looked at myself and looked at the situation and said I’m never going to be in this situation thinking about ending my life again.

“The kids wouldn’t have been with their dad and it’s something that I’ve kept hold of for a while, but I feel it’s important to help people.”