England's Smithies ruled out of World Cup with training injury

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 01:03 · Archive

England forward Morgan Smithies will miss the Rugby League World Cup after sustaining a training injury days before the tournament.

England forward Morgan Smithies will miss the Rugby League World Cup after picking up an injury in training days before the team's opening match against Tonga in Perth on Saturday. Smithies, 25, a forward for Canberra Raiders, was one of ten NRL players in England's squad and his loss is described as a significant blow to the team.

Smithies has been replaced by Kallum Watkins, a 35-year-old Leeds Rhinos veteran who will play in his fourth World Cup. Watkins previously featured in the 2013, 2017 and 2022 editions. England coach Brian McDermott said of Smithies: 'It's really unfortunate what has happened to Morgan with an injury picked up in training. He's been great since we entered camp, a real team player and his work ethic and toughness are qualities that we will certainly miss.' McDermott noted that Watkins 'enjoyed a terrific season with Leeds this year and has been part of our England performance programme building into this World Cup'.

How it is being reported

• England star Morgan Smithies ruled out of entire World Cup after suffering injury at trainingThe 25-year-old has been replaced in the squad, just days out from their opening game.Perth Now · 15 Oct, 00:27
• England star Morgan Smithies ruled out of entire World Cup after suffering injury at trainingThe 25-year-old has been replaced in the squad, just days out from their opening game.The West Australian · 15 Oct, 00:27

In this story: Morgan Smithies · Kallum Watkins · England · Canberra Raiders · Leeds Rhinos · Brian McDermott · Perth · Tonga

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