Leeds Rhinos in talks to sign Salford Red Devils man

Leeds Rhinos are in talks to re-sign former England star Kallum Watkins from Salford Red Devils, but their hopes of a deal are in the balance.

Watkins is not training with Salford and declined to play in yesterday’s (Sunday) 54-0 defeat at Wigan Warriors.

As a result, Salford have notified Super League clubs they are willing to listen to offers for the 34-year-old three-time Grand Final winner and Rhinos have spoken to Watkins’ club and agent.

However, Salford are keen to secure the best-possible transfer fee and other clubs are also interested in the centre turned second-rower. Serious About Rugby League reported Wakefield Trinity’s interest in Watkins back in January and the West Yorkshire side could be in the mix once more.

Rhinos’ management believe 34-year-old Watkins – who had a spell as Leeds’ captain – would bring leadership and experience to their squad and may be willing to offer him terms for 2026 as well as this season, depending on their salary cap situation.

Leeds have space this year after star winger Maika Sivo was ruled out of the entire campaign, meaning he does not count on the 2025 cap, despite being contracted until the end of 2027.

Watkins scored 132 tries and 101 goals in 259 appearances for Rhinos from 2008-2019. A three-time Grand Final-winner, he left Leeds to join NRL outfit Gold Coast Titans and signed for Salford in 2020 after a move to Toronto Wolfpack fell through when the Canadian side dropped out of Super League.

He has played 95 times for the Red Devils and scored their try when they were beaten 32-6 at home by Rhinos in Super League round two on February 22. Leeds Rhinos’ next game is a ‘loop’ fixture back at Salford on Thursday, April 10.