Toronto confirm signing of Kallum Watkins

Toronto have signed centre Kallum Watkins on a three-year deal following his release from Gold Coast.

The 29-year-old recently returned from Australia to the UK for personal reasons, and has been granted a release from his contract with the Titans.

The Wolfpack say Watkins has accepted “significantly reduced pay terms” for the 2020 season due to all teams having to make pay cuts for players and staff during the coronavirus pandemic.

Watkins said: “First of all I would like to thank the Gold Coast Titans for granting me and my family the opportunity to go back home, I had a great time over there.

“To the owners, coaches, players, staff and the fans at the Titans, I wish them all the success in the world. I know they will turn things round at the club.

“I came back for family reasons. There has been a lot going on back home, and then when I heard about my dad I had to come back.

“I wanted to succeed in the NRL but I had to put my family first, and now I’m excited to be back playing in the Super League.”

Toronto coach Brian McDermott added: “To add someone of the quality of Kallum Watkins to our squad during the league suspension is a positive move.

“I know first-hand what Kallum can do and we are thrilled he will be joining us on-field once play resumes.

“This is a testing time for sports teams all over the world, and we are no different.

“We are grateful that Kallum has shown commitment to our cause by agreeing to our revised pay model alongside his team mates, and in line with many other players across our league.”

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