England international Watkins, who was previously with Toronto Wolfpack, used to be a Salford ball boy
Monday 7 September 2020 14:56, UK
Kallum Watkins has joined boyhood club Salford Red Devils on a three-year deal.
The former Leeds Rhinos centre was given permission to seek a move away from Toronto Wolfpack following the Canadian side's decision to pull out of Super League 2020.
Watkins, a three-time Super League winner, was a Salford season-ticket holder and ball boy while growing up, and has joined the Red Devils with immediate effect.
"It's great to be part of the team and representing Salford will be an honour for me," Watkins said.
"I know it's been a long time coming in a sense, but I grew up wanting to play rugby league and Salford was key to my development.
"The club means a great deal to me. If I hadn't had those opportunities to support the club and be a ball boy growing up, you don't know what would have happened.
"I might not be in the position I am, without having those influences. My family are really excited and really proud. We've talked about how good it would be to play for Salford, but also wanting to achieve something big with the club."
Salford head coach Ian Watson added: "We are extremely lucky to have been in a position to acquire a player of Kallum's quality and I'm looking forward to having the opportunity to work with him.
"Building a team through players who are competitive and work hard has been really successful for us, but to get a player with both of those traits and world-class ability is how we will grow into a team that challenges every year.
"Kallum has that and he recognises our progress as a team and a club, in recruiting other players with these three traits over the last few years.
"Being a local lad, Kallum will be embraced by the Salford supporters and I'm sure over the next few years he will prove to be one of the club's best signings and it will show a real intent, not only for the remainder of this year, but in 2021, where we should have a phenomenal back line."
