Leeds Rhinos centre Kallum Watkins is embracing the challenge of resurrecting the club following a difficult period.
Since his maiden year in 2008, Watkins has enjoyed incredible success at Headingley, with the Rhinos winning five Grand Finals, two Challenge Cups and one World Club Challenge.
This year has seen Watkins and the other long-serving players put in untested waters, with the club struggling at the foot of the table.
The club’s decline in form this year has been difficult for all involved, but with it, Watkins and his team-mates have been presented with a new opportunity to help rejuvenate the club.
“I’ve been honoured and fortunate to be a part of so much success,” said Watkins.
“But in life at times you’re going to have bad patches that aren’t ideal or where you want to be. This group knows that we can pull it back though. It is strange, but it is an opportunity for everyone to build this team back up and progress.
“We know as a group we can turn this around. It’s down to us as a group to do that and do the extras we need to do. We have been training great. The attitude is good throughout the week. We have things to work on and we know that and we’re honest about it. But we need to put it in the games now.”
Despite the club’s struggles, Watkins insists that there is no reason to be overly concerned with the current situation.
“I just see no reason to panic,” he said.
“The team, the group, we’re very good at what we do. We need to put some little things right and that will help us get results. It’s been a long process this year results wise, but we’re gradually improving. At times we’ve been a little bit soft, but that has been down to how we have been with the ball as well.”
This article was first published in League Express. Get the breaking stories first by buying in stores on a Monday morning or alternatively, read the online version every Sunday evening by clicking here.
