Morgan Smithies will miss the World Cup due to injury, replaced by Kallum Watkins, an experienced veteran for England's rugby league team.
Morgan Smithies is to miss the rugby league World Cup in what could prove a big blow to an England team heavily reliant on their NRL stars.
The Canberra Raiders forward Smithies picked up an injury in training just days before Saturday's opener for England against Tonga in Perth, the city where the second-row is due to play for the new Bears outfit next season.
Smithies has been replaced by Leeds Rhinos veteran Kallum Watkins, who will at least bring real experience to the England camp as he gets set to play in his fourth World Cup, having previously featured in the 2013, 2017 and 2022 editions.