Leeds and England have been dealt a huge blow with centre Kallum Watkins ruled out for the rest of the season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury to his left knee.

Watkins sustained the injury in Saturday’s 38-10 defeat by Castleford at the Dacia Magic Weekend in Newcastle.

The Rhinos captain went for scans on Monday morning which confirmed the worst fears of coach Brian McDermott who said on Saturday that Watkins “felt a pop and heard a pop” at the time of the collision.

On Monday, McDermott said: “He’s done his ACL so he’s out for eight months.”

The injury also rules Watkins out of England’s mid-season international against New Zealand in Denver on June 23 and the end-of-season Test series against the Kiwis.

Watkins, 27, who is in his first season as captain, said: “I’m deeply disappointed to be missing the rest of the season. However, I will be doing everything possible to make sure I return ready to kick on from this injury.

“I know I am in the best possible hands with our medical team at the Rhinos and, in the meantime, I will be backing the boys from the sidelines and giving them every support for the rest of the campaign.”

2018 Betfred Super League Preview Package
Kallum Watkins had been in excellent form this year (Martin Rickett/PA)

Anticipating the worst, reigning Betfred Super League champions Leeds recalled Jimmy Keinhorst from his loan spell at Widnes.

Keinhorst – one of the Rhinos’ standout players during their wretched 2016 campaign – is capable of playing at centre or in the back row.

The 27-year-old made three appearances for the Vikings, scoring his first try in Saturday’s 38-18 loss to St Helens.

Widnes head coach Denis Betts said: “We would like to thank Jimmy for his time and efforts at Widnes Vikings, and wish him all the best for the season ahead.

“We are also grateful to Leeds Rhinos for facilitating this loan.”

Leeds, already without several forwards, also lost full-back Jack Walker (knee), hooker Matt Parcell (shoulder) and prop Nathaniel Peteru (biceps) to injury at St James’ Park.