Kallum Watkins hopes to cement Great Britain place by starring in the NRL

KALLUM Watkins wants to play himself into the Great Britain side after heading to the NRL.

The former Leeds skipper has linked up with Gold Coast Titans following an unhappy end at Headingley.

After ending up in a Super League relegation battle, the England centre was denied a farewell after an admin cock-up meant he could not face Catalans Dragons last Sunday.

Now after telling SunSport how he looked at his options in the Super League and in rugby union, where he almost moved to with Bath, Watkins insists the reformed Lions side, which tours later this year, is at the forefront on his mind down under.

Watkins, who was an ankle tap away from a try in the 2017 World Cup final, said: “Coming to Australia and testing myself in the best competition is something I need and something that will push me even more.

“The thing this year is Great Britain and it will be the first time for a long, long time that that’s happened. The opportunity to do that is something I’ve dreamed of doing.

“I’ve played for England before but it’s something a little bit different with Great Britain and an opportunity to do that this year would be massive.”

Watkins told SunSport he turned down previous NRL interest but felt this was his only opportunity to head there.

Now he is there, the 28-year-old is ready to take a leaf out of the books of the likes of Sam Burgess, James Graham and John Bateman.

He added: “All those guys are doing well but it was expected of them. They back themselves and that’s what I’ve got to do myself.”