Why Roosters recruit has Watson ready to lock down new role
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Roosters utility Connor Watson is confident a positional switch prompted by Reece Robson's arrival at the club will unlock his best football.
Signed to a four-year deal last December, Robson has become the forgotten man in discussions about the Roosters 2026 recruits.
The NSW hooker's arrival has been overshadowed by the signing of former Manly star Daly Cherry-Evans, but his impact on the team could be just as big.
Robson is set to step into the No.9 jersey, with emerging talent Benaiah Ioelu serving as his backup.
Connor Watson Try
That will free Watson to shift to lock, which the 29-year-old believes is his best position.
"He'll be the nine," Watson told NRL.com. "They signed him to be a hooker and my best and favourite position is 13. I'll be doing everything I can to play there.
"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."
The Roosters were one of the surprise packets of 2025, finishing seventh in what was meant to be a rebuilding year.
Sydney Roosters Top Tries of 2025
Youngsters Rob Toia, Naufahu Whyte, Ioelu and Mark Nawaqanitawase all impressed and will now be looking to take the next step in 2026.
Throw in the arrival of Cherry-Evans and Robson, and a healthy Sam Walker for the entire season and the Roosters have rocketed into premiership contention.
The changes, however, will likely result in a new-look attack for 2026 that could take some time to find top gear.
The Roosters rolled out a monster pack in the run to the finals, with Spencer Leniu and Lindsay Collins starting at prop, Whyte at lock and Siua Wong coming off the bench.
By steamrolling teams through the middle, the forwards gave young halves Sam Walker and Hugo Savala, and fullback James Tedesco, a platform to attack.
Watson's shift to lock will result in a smaller pack while providing more attacking creativity through the middle of the field.
Throw in Cherry-Evans and the Roosters outside backs could be set for another prolific year.
Robson and Watson have been State of Origin teammates for the past two seasons but have spent a combined total of five minutes on the field together.
Reece Robson Try
That will change in 2026 and Watson is excited to see the impact the Roosters' recruits have on the side's attack.
"It's been good having Daly around," Watson said. "He's got such a good voice in and around the team. His temperament on the field is great, he's got a calm voice.
"He's done everything in the game, he's had to much experience, so to have a guy like that come in has been awesome. Then having Reece here as well has been good.
"I'm looking forward to playing with these guys week in, week out. I've played with Reece in Origin but this is a bit different. We have spent very little time on the field together, I'm sure we'll be on the field plenty this year."
Watson's comments came at the recent NRL School to Work Awards night, where the next generation of emerging First Nations people was celebrated.
The program provides opportunities for youngsters to finish school and transition to university or employment.
A proud Gamilaroi man, the hooker discussed the challenges he's faced throughout his career and the lessons he hopes to pass on to future leaders.
Away from football, Watson is working hard to provide opportunities for Indigenous youth through his foundation, the Cultural Choice Association.
The organisation's Boots for a Brighter Future program invites School to Work participants to paint Indigenous artwork on boots that are worn by Roosters players.
By working together, Watson said rugby league can play a key role in driving positive change within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and Australian society as a whole.
"These programs are awesome for the kids," Watson said. "A lot of the communities are in more rural areas and to have the relationships with the clubs and come down and meet their heroes is really inspiring.
"They come in to the Roosters and watch us train during Indigenous Round, especially when they have the Youth Summit. This year we had the School to Work kids paint our playing boots as part of my charity and that's something we'd like to continue.
"It's a good layer that we could add to the School to Work program if we could tap into some of their schools through our program and continue to work together to support these children."
