Kallum Watkins’ first words on signing for Leeds Rhinos after Salford Red Devils exit

The 34-year-old centre turned second-rower has signed a contract until the end of this season, but won’t play when Rhinos visit Salford on Thursday.

Leeds Rhinos have paid an undisclosed transfer fee for Watkins and their forward Toby Warren has joined Salford on loan for the remainder of the season as part of the deal.

Serious About Rugby League revealed earlier today Rhinos’ interest was still alive, despite an initial offer being turned down by Salford.

Rhinos sporting director Ian Blease confirmed: “We are delighted to bring Kallum back to the Rhinos.

“He is natural leader who will add a great deal of quality to our squad. He has versatility to play in the pack or at centre and he will be a good influence on our young players coming through the academy, having done that journey himself to the very top of the game.”

And he added: “I can envisage him, just like Ryan Hall, having a role beyond his playing career at the club.

“I would like to thank Chris Irwin at Salford for his help in getting the deal agreed and I hope the move will enable the Red Devils to continue their fight to stabilise themselves in Super League.”

Leeds Rhinos re-sign Kallum Watkins from Salford Red Devils

Watkins began his career with Leeds, scoring 132 tries and 101 goals in 259 appearances from 2008-2019.

He featured in three Grand Final victories and was a Challenge Cup winner in 2014 and 2015.

Watkins left Leeds midway through the 2019 season to join NRL outfit Gold Coast Titans and signed for Salford, his home city club, the following year.

“I am delighted to be coming back to the Rhinos where my career began,” Watkins – who has 29 England caps – said in a statement released by Rhinos this afternoon (Tuesday).

“Rhinos holds a special place in my career having started out in the academy at the club and achieved so much.

“I am looking forward to working with [coach] Brad Arthur and getting to know the current squad with the aim of getting the Rhinos back to where we want to be.”

Salford were keen to keep hold of Watkins, but their continuing financial crisis means he is the latest key player to leave the club.

He added: “I would like to thank everyone at Salford Red Devils for the experiences we have shared together.

“It has been an incredibly tough season for everyone involved, from the players to the coaches and the staff at the Devils.

“I hope some resolution can be found in the coming weeks and months and the club can once again challenge in Super League.”

Arthur said: “It is unusual a player of Kallum’s quality becomes available mid-season. Since losing Maika Sivo before the season, Ian has been working hard to add experience to the depth of our playing group and Kallum certainly does that.”