Watkins Relishes London Stadium Return

International Rugby League returns to London Stadium this Sunday, as England meet Australia in the showpiece fixture in this autumn’s Four Nations. First face second with both teams eyeing quarter-final places.

 

Leeds Rhinos centre Kallum Watkins represented his country at the Stadium last year, as England were edged out by fierce rivals New Zealand.

 

“People from all over the country will be coming down to see the best players in the world,” said Watkins.

 

“There will be some real superstars lining up that will want perform as best they can.”

 

Of course, the story of the season has been centred on England captain Sam Burgess. Having made his return to League, Burgess has proved his worth but Watkins insists the team’s strength lies outside their talismanic leader.

 

“It’s great to see him back in rugby league and back in the England side,” added Watkins.

 

“He’s been absolutely killing it in the NRL and he’s definitely one of the best players.

 

“We’re really lucky to have someone like Sam in our side, but we’re not just a one-man team – we’ve got a lot of quality players from the Super League and NRL now.”

 

Watkins was part of the squad who turned out at London Stadium in 2015, and celebrated the unique atmosphere at the venue, and looks to be relishing his return.

 

“It’s a great stadium, the atmosphere was brilliant – it’s going to be really good to be going back there, especially against Australia,” he said.

 

“It’s going to be a really special day. Playing against one of the best sides in the world at a stadium like that is the reason you play the game.”