Roosters’ Mr Fix It Connor Watson returns to the Tricolours just in time to get them out of a tight spot at hooker
- Connor Watson, 25, is widely regarded as the best utility player in the NRL
- Has returned to Sydney Roosters after four years with the Newcastle Knights
- Roosters take on the Knights on Saturday afternoon at Sydney Cricket Ground
- Watson will start in the number nine jersey after Sam Verrills broke his thumb
The opportunity to get out of his comfort zone is the chief reason Connor Watson returned to the Sydney Roosters.
Offered a three-year extension by the Newcastle Knights where he was a key figure, the 25-year-old instead inked a deal with Trent Robinson’s squad for 2022 and 2023.
Watson was previously on the books of the Tricolours back in 2016 and 2017, and always wanted to return to the Chooks if the stars aligned.
A conversation last year with Robinson, a three-time premiership-winning coach in the NRL, further convinced Watson it was time to come ‘home’ – even if it was for less money.
In August, Watson reached out to the man who handed him his NRL debut as he eyed off a possible move to the English Super League.
Robinson was happy to pass on his wisdom, but before the conversation ended he made sure he asked if Watson would entertain a return to Bondi Junction.
Connor Watson has returned to the Sydney Roosters and offers coach Trent Robinson plenty of selection options given his utility value
Watson will line up against his former teammates from Newcastle this weekend – including close friend and former housemate Kalyn Ponga (pictured right)
The seed was planted – and the prodigal son then decided to call Bondi home for a second time.
Arguably the best utility in the NRL, Watson knows he will be in the premiership mix with the Roosters, who are competition favourites in the eyes of many experts and footy fans.
He also won’t have to wait long to line up against his best friend and former housemate Kalyn Ponga when the Roosters host the Knights at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday afternoon.
Watson admitted it will be strange playing Adam O’Brien’s men after four years in the NSW Hunter region, but is relishing the opportunity to start the contest at dummy half.
‘So my (main) role this year will be nine and 13 (lock) which I really enjoy…but if I get chucked into halves or fullback, it’s something different, you have to adapt,’ he told NRL.com.
‘It’s a really big test to be able to go and play in all those positions and play well and I actually like the challenge of it.’
With young hooker Sam Verrills breaking his thumb at training this week, Watson knows consistent performances will see him hard to dislodge from the starting team once the season is in full swing.
NRL legend Cooper Cronk, who won titles with the Roosters in 2018 and 2019, acknowledged Watson’s utility value – but personally would start rugby league’s Mr-Fix-It.
‘I would play Connor at five-eighth because you’ve got a dominant half that can allow him to swing to the open,’ he said.
‘You can also start him at No.9 and use his leg speed…he’s a very handy option for Trent to call on wherever he plays.’
Quick stat: The Roosters comfortably beat the Knights in both clashes last season
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