He's a better centre than Hardaker. Hardaker just isn't a centre, he plays the same way he does at full back, but as he doesn't get the same amount of time he's way less effective. He's a back 3 player, he's never been a centre.
I'd be very cautious if I was Gildart, better players have gone to the NRL than him and returned home pretty quickly. They don't come back better players either most of the time.

Rumours French isn’t coming back...

Just for clarity I regard this rumour in the same way I did “Long to Wigan”

Watkins is a player I hope we stay clear of.

I’ve always seen him as a flat track bully. Great when his team is on top and cruising but a passenger when it is a much and bullets contest.

The first time I thought of him as being able to reach his potential was in the first year Wayne Bennett took over the England job, he seemed to develop a bit more steel internationally and for Leeds but it was short lived.

Compound that with the fact we have 4 centres already and his questionable injury record of late and I just don’t see the need for him...even if Gildart is going at the end of the year.

Watkins allegedly spoke to us and Wire....but chose Toronto.

Dodged a bullet there in my opinion IF true.

Who are Toronto releasing? Centre is their strongest position with Leutele and Stanley and they're right at the limit of the cap.

Watkins left Gold Coast because he wanted to be close to his family in the UK and then he goes and signs for Toronto! Something smells very Perch like.

Like when Joel Moon (IIRC?) left Salford to be closer to his family in Australia, so moved to Leeds.

His dad is dying of coronavirus, and Toronto will be in the UK until July at least. He's been back in the UK for a few weeks already.
People need to stop with the conspiracy theories.

What happens after July...... does he sign for Warrington?

We have 4 centres, 3 of whom are not as good as Watkins.

This

Whatever happens with his rugby career I hope his dad pulls through.