Smithies ruled out on the eve of the tournament
England's preparations for the Rugby League World Cup have been disrupted by the withdrawal of Morgan Smithies, who picked up an injury in training. The lock and second-row forward, who is set to join Perth Bears for the 2027 NRL season, has been ruled out of the tournament. Head coach Brian McDermott described the situation as really unfortunate and said Smithies had been great since entering camp, adding that his work ethic and toughness would be missed.[S1][S2]
Smithies' absence removes a forward from England's squad at a point when the team is stepping up its preparations. The timing, on the eve of the competition, leaves little room for further adjustment before the opening fixture.[S1][S2]
Watkins called up as late replacement
Leeds Rhinos' Kallum Watkins has been called up to replace Smithies. The 35-year-old, who has 32 caps, is set to travel to Australia and arrive in Perth before the weekend, but he will not play in Saturday's opener against Tonga. He will be available for England's other group matches against France and Papua New Guinea. Watkins began his career as a centre and has shifted into the pack in recent years, and he previously played under McDermott during a trophy-laden spell at Leeds.[S1][S2]
McDermott said Watkins had enjoyed a terrific season with Leeds and had been part of the England Performance Programme building into the World Cup, and that he looked forward to welcoming him into camp. Should Watkins feature, it would be his fourth Rugby League World Cup, after appearances in 2013 and 2022 on home soil and in 2017, when England reached the final.[S1][S2]
Tournament format and England's group
England are drawn in Group B alongside Lebanon and Samoa. Group A contains Australia, New Zealand, the Cook Islands and Fiji, while Group C features France, Papua New Guinea and Tonga. England's opening match is against Tonga on Saturday, with kick-off at 10:05 BST.[S1][S2]
