England rocked by injury on eve of World Cup

Morgan Smithies has been ruled out of the Rugby League World Cup in a blow to England head coach Brian McDermott; he has been replaced by Leeds Rhinos Kallum Watkins

England have been rocked by injury on the eve of the Rugby League World Cup with Perth Bears-bound Morgan Smithies ruled out of the tournament.

Leeds Rhinos' Kallum Watkins is set to depart for Australia to take the place of lock and second-row forward Smithies.

Watkins, who played in two of last year's three Ashes Tests against Australia, will arrive in Perth ahead of the weekend but is not set to feature in Saturday's opener against Tonga.

Head coach Brian McDermott said: "It's really unfortunate what has happened to Morgan with an injury picked up in training.

"Morgan has been great since we entered camp. He's a real team player and his work ethic and toughness are qualities that we will certainly miss.

"Kallum enjoyed a terrific season with Leeds this year and has been part of our England Performance Programme building into this World Cup.

Source: Sky Sports