Kallum Watkins ready to leave Leeds over contract dispute – reports

Leeds star Kallum Watkins is ready to leave Emerald Headingley over a pay dispute, according to rugby league’s trusty rodent, The Mole. 

The report on Wide World of Sports suggests the 28-year-old is considering an exit after the Rhinos tried to reduce the size of his contract for next season.

Watkins, who has made just short of 250 appearances for the club, only signed a new deal just over 12 months ago.

He spent the majority of 2018 on the sidelines after suffering a serious ACL injury against Castleford at last year’s Magic Weekend.

The England international has started his steady comeback from injury this campaign, making 16 appearances so far, scoring twice.

Leeds currently sit third-bottom of the Betfred Super League, just two points from safety, after winning just five of their opening 16 games. In addition, their hopes of Challenge Cup silverware were dashed after suffering a disappointing loss to local rivals Bradford.

Rhinos Chief Executive Gary Hetherington suggested that Watkins had attracted “plenty of attention” from other clubs after a stellar 2017 World Cup, prior to the centre signing on the dotted line until at least 2021.

Nevertheless, reports from Down Under suggest that Watkins could be ready to cut short his 12-year stay at the club, with the NRL touted as a possible destination should he decide to leave.