NSW State of Origin utility Connor Watson is the latest Roosters star to feel the selection squeeze ahead of 2026 NRL season.
Following the off-season arrival of incumbent NSW Blues rake Reece Robson on a four-year deal, and the emergence of exciting Roosters Academy and Toa Samoa hooker Benaiah Ioelu, 29-year-old Watson knows his days in the Tri Colours number nine jersey are likely over and appears set for a permanent move to lock.
“He’ll (Robson) be the nine,” Watson told NRL.com earlier this week.
“They signed him to be a hooker and my best and favourite position is 13, I’ve always said that I’m happy to do whatever for the team whether it’s come off the bench or play any position, I’ll always do that but 13 is the goal for me,” he added.
A veteran of 167 NRL games and five Origin appearances, Watson said he’s confident the positional switch will unlock his best football in 2026, particularly with the arrival of champion halfback Daly Cherry-Evans.
“It’s been good having Daly around,” Watson said.
“He’s done everything in the game, he’s had so much experience, so to have a guy like that come in has been awesome.
“I’m looking forward to playing with these guys week in, week out.”
The Roosters open their 2026 NRL campaign against the Warriors in Auckland on Friday, March 6.
