I CAN’T WAIT TO FACE DAN

Watkins relishing taking on former Rhinos legend McGuire tonight

FOR the first time in his 10-year career, Kallum Watkins will line up opposite Danny McGuire instead of alongside him tonight.

Leeds legend McGuire led the Rhinos to an eighth Super League title in October but has swapped blue and amber for the red and white of Hull KR.

Watkins has been given the responsibility of succeeding him as captain, and the friends get an early chance to face off when promoted Rovers visit Elland Road tonight.

Watkins said: “It feels kind of crazy, but I’m looking forward to it. He deserves a fantastic reception from the club and the fans.

“Maggsy has been fantastic for Leeds and hopefully he can instil that into Hull KR as well.

“He’s a big Leeds United fan too so it will be a dream for him to play at Elland Road again, but strange as well because he will be playing against all his mates.

“It will be interesting and we will have to deal with the best of him.

“He is a quality, quality player and he shows it in big games on the biggest stages – he always turns up.”

McGuire was one of the first to congratulate Watkins when he was confirmed as new Rhinos skipper last month, after a decade winning trophies alongside each other.

Watkins explained: “He has helped me a lot with becoming captain and a leader. I look up to him and did do for 10 years.

“He was a massive leader for our team throughout that time and showed what a superb player he is. When I first started I just remember he was an incredible sportsman, really good at every sport he tries.

“The past two years were tough – the first year he was injured most of the time so he couldn’t get as involved as he would have liked on the field.

“Then 2017 was a big year for him, knowing early that he was going to move on and wanting to go out the best way he could do. “But he certainly did that.” Watkins has warned against complacency when the Rhinos take on Rovers in a game staged at Elland Road while Headingley is being rebuilt.

Watkins added: “They have had a tough start but will want to react this week.

“They will bring a decent crowd and I am sure they will be up for it. We have got to stop them putting on a performance.”