20 Nov 2007 - Call up for Kallum Watkins

Earlier this year Kallum Watkins was the full back in our Under 16's side assisting them to lift the Lancashire Cup and then the North West Counties' Premiership title. Like five of his team mates he attracted the attention of the Super League scouts and, with the Wolves slow on the uptake & not even offering him a scholarship place, the Leeds Rhinos showed why they're current Super League champions and snapped him up.

Latchford Albion Unicorns were delighted to receive feedback from the Rhinos commending our development of the player and to see how they have treated Kallum since. His continued development has now culminated in a call up for the England U17 squad.

 

At the recent Leeds Rhinos Academy Awards that took place at Headingley Carnegie it was the club's young stars that took centre stage and there was much to celebrate after a fantastic season for the club's younger sides the Junior Academy capped a remarkable season with victory over St Helens their own Grand Final. Kallum Watkins was named the ISC Shooting Star winner (pictured here with Darren Moore from ISC).

 

The Rugby Football League report that next Friday evening (November 23rd, 7.30pm ko), Warrington's Halliwell Jones Stadium plays host to the first in a two-game international series between the England Academy Under 17's side and the touring Australian Institute of Sport team (AIS) .

It will be the fourth time that the AIS have toured the UK to take on the Academy.

England won both games in the inaugural 2003 Series, the next one in 2005 finished all square and the AIS team won the one and only game against England Academy on their 2006 Tour.

With both sides chock-full of talented young players, this 2007 Series promises to be just as rich in entertainment and excitement as their predecessors.

The concluding game takes place at Wakefield Trinity Wildcats' Belle Vue stadium on Friday November 30th (7.30pm ko)

Junior Academy League Leaders St. Helens, provide a handful of players to the England side.

The Leeds Rhinos have three selections in the squad, Wigan Warriors, supply four players including Liam Farrell - who is the sole survivor of England Academy's tilt at the AIS last year. Elsewhere, Hull FC, Huddersfield Giants, Bradford Bulls,Salford City Reds and Wakefield Trinity Wildcats also all supply players.

Commenting the RFL's Performance Youth Coach Chris Chapman said, "These two games will be very competitive and should provide some tremendous entertainment.

"We would encourage Rugby League supporters from all clubs to attend these matches and see some potential future international stars in action".

The England Academy Under 17s squad in full is:

Shaun Ainscough (Wigan Warriors)
Philip Baines (St. Helens)
Tom Briscoe (Hull FC)
Chris Clarkson (Leeds Rhinos)
Andrew Dixon (St. Helens)
Jamie Ellis (St. Helens)
Liam Farrell (Wigan Warriors)
Jamie Foster (St. Helens)
Chris Gerrard (Wigan Warriors)
Josh Hodgson (Hull FC)
Kieran Hyde (Bradford Bulls)
Michael Lawrence(Huddersfield Giants)
Jonathan Lomax (St. Helens)
Kyle Massam (Wigan Warriors)
Paul McShane (Leeds Rhinos)
Richard Myler (Salford City Reds)
Adam Neal (Warrington Wolves)
Jay Pitts (Wakefield Trinity Wildcats)
Jason Walton (Salford City Reds)
Kallum Watkins (Leeds Rhinos)

Head Coach : Steve Crooks (Hull FC.)
Assistant Coach : Vinny Webb
Manager : Martin Gonzalez (Halifax RLFC.)
Physio : Sue Ford.
Doctor : Paul Stockton.
Conditioner : Paul Hatton (Hull FC.)


Friday 23rd November 2007 England Academy Under 17s v Australian Institute of Sport 7.30pm - Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington
Friday 30th November 2007 England Academy Under 17s v Australian Institute of Sport 7.30pm - Belle Vue Stadium, Wakefield