Gold Coast recruit Kallum Watkins chasing new challenge after 12 years in Super League

It’s a long haul from Leeds but Gold Coast recruit Kallum Walker won’t be looking back after ending a 12-year Super League stint for his NRL shot.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 02: Kallum Watkins of England is tackled during the 2017 Rugby League World Cup Final between the Australian Kangaroos and England at Suncorp Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

It’s a long haul from Leeds to the Glitter Strip but Gold Coast recruit Kallum Watkins won’t be looking back.

Instead, he’ll be looking dead ahead at a new challenge Down Under.

The English Test star has enjoyed a 12-year mortgage on the Super League, including three premierships, two Challenge Cup wins and 101 tries in 266 games for his beloved Rhinos.

But change comes for everyone and the 28-year-old centre is hoping to emulate the likes of UK stars James Graham and the Burgess brothers in finding NRL success.

Kallum Watkins (left) with Cameron Smith ahead of Leeds’ World Club Challenge clash with Melbourne Storm in 2018. Picture: David Caird

Watkins was denied a fairytale finish in his final Super League game as the Rhinos fell to Wigan Warriors 23-14 on Saturday morning and told Sky Sports UK the decision to move had been a tough one.

“It was difficult to tell the boys as well, especially with the loss tonight but at the same time, the reaction from them was fantastic and I love the boys,” Watkins said.

“It’s been a tough couple of weeks as well, you know, telling everyone that we’ll be going but at the same time trying to get an opportunity (playing in Australia) and we’re really excited, myself and the family, to play for the Titans.

“I’m just really proud that I’ve been part of such a special club for 12 years now.

“Things like this happen, you have to move on and I’m going the right way.

Watkins was given an immediate release to head to the Gold Coast and is expected to join Garth Brennan’s side before the June 30 deadline.

Titans head of performance and culture Mal Meninga said the signing of Watkins was an exciting coup for the Gold Coast.

“Kallum is an exceptional talent,” Meninga said. “I have had to coach against him with the Kangaroos, and he is a very dangerous player.

Watkins in action during the 2017 Rugby League World Cup Final between the Australian Kangaroos and England at Suncorp Stadium. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

“Importantly for the Titans however, he is also a very experienced player and a terrific leader. “As captain of the Rhinos, he has shown the leadership qualities that will be a tremendous asset for the Titans.

Meninga contrasted Watkins’ signing with last week’s recruitment of former Broncos junior Tanah Boyd.

“After the signing of Tanah Boyd, we have made a statement about the future of the Titans,” Meninga said.

“Now with Kallum, we are showing that we are also investing in immediate success, and that this club is capable of attracting the best talent in the game, from right around the world.”

Originally published as Gold Coast recruit Kallum Watkins chasing new challenge after 12 years in Super League