“The games that we've played, we've started really well. We need to repeat that but we know it's quarter-final stage, there's no second chances.”
Centre Kallum Watkins says England cannot afford any slip-ups this Sunday against Papua New Guinea. England and the Kumuls meet in the World Cup quarter-finals in Melbourne. England have yet to fully hit their straps yet, after inconsistent wins over the Lebanese and French, while Papua New Guinea are buoyant after earning a perfect record at the tournament so far.
“Papua New Guinea are on form at the minute,” Watkins said.
“They've got some really good results, they're playing well, they'll be confident coming into here and try and trick us. The games that we've played, we've started really well, we need to repeat that but we know it's quarter-final stage, there's no second chances. Even though it's over here, the atmosphere is still going to be great, I think will be a big partisan crowd and should be an interesting battle.”
Watkins will be keeping an eye out for two former Leeds teammates on Sunday – Paul Aiton and James Segeyaro. Both Aiton and Segeyaro had spells with the Rhinos in Super League and are two of the Kumuls most experienced and most dangerous players. Aiton currently plays for Catalans Dragons while Segeyaro is on at the books at the Cronulla Sharks.
“They're two quality players, they've got a number of players in there that can cause us a lot of problems,” Watkins said.
“Garry Lo especially has been fantastic hasn't he? It's been a great story for them, they've been fantastic and we know it's going to be a tough challenge on Sunday.”
Watkins sat out England’s victory over France in Perth with Mark Percival getting game-time. But the centre, who bagged a try against Lebanon, is rested and ready to go again.
“Even though I don't like (not playing), it was good for everyone to get a game,” he said.
“It’s very important for the guys that have worked hard for the past couple of weeks, to get a game in and to try and state their claim for a place. All the boys work so hard and they're here on merit, they deserve an opportunity. I do like watching but I like to be more involved. I was just resting, refreshed now and just looking forward to big time now. We performed pretty well at the weekend, just a bit patchy at times, probably a bit similar to the week before.”
The crowds at World Cup games in Australia have been criticised by some but Watkins has been impressed by the reception his team has received from English supporters.
“It’s been a great turn-out from English fans, especially in Perth,” the 26-year old said.
“We’ve met a lot of fans in places we've been to. I’ve met lot of Leeds fans, most are staying for the majority of the tournament.”
Watkins and England will be headed to New Zealand for the semi-finals if they beat Papua New Guinea. But the centre is excited to be coming back to Melbourne in three months time to tackle the Melbourne Storm.
“It's a great opportunity for us,” he said.
“It’s massive game, obviously both teams have had history of World Club Challenges, great opportunity to come here for us as a team and as a club. We're used to a hectic schedule. We've been playing a lot of games throughout the year and things are quite tight and intense at the same time, so no excuse, take it as it is.
“We know it’s going to be a short journey but we can use the example of what we did with the mid-season Test with England, the lads have a bit of experience of that. At the same time the guys are going to be excited so they’re going to do everything possible to be involved.”
