Injury blow for Watkins

Rhinos youngster ruled out for six months

By Rachel Griffiths   Last updated: 16th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Injury blow for Watkins

Watkins: Out for six months

This is extremely disappointing news for Kallum and we wish him a speedy recovery.

Brian McClennan
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Leeds Rhinos centre Kallum Watkins is facing six months on the sidelines after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament.

Watkins sustained the injury in the first half of the Super League champions' 26-20 defeat at Huddersfield last Sunday.

The 19-year-old was sent for scans on Monday which revealed the full extent of the damage. He is now set to have reconstruction on his knee.

"This is extremely disappointing news for Kallum and we wish him a speedy recovery," said Rhinos head coach Brian McClennan.

"Our medical team will ensure that he receives the best possible care and I am confident he will come back from this setback so early in his career.

"Having spoken to Kallum he is prepared to use this as a challenge to overcome to help him become a better player and I think that speaks volumes for the type of young man he is."

Versatile Watkins has featured in six of Leeds' seven matches so far this season, starting at full-back, centre and on the wing.

Carl Ablett (ankle), Scott Donald (shoulder) and Greg Eastwood (wrist) are also on Leeds' long-term injured list, while Kevin Sinfield has been absent from the last two games with a dead leg.

Leeds are currently seventh in the league standings as they prepare to take on Hull KR at Headingley on Friday night.