Graham steps up as Watson battles to prove GF fitness

Newcastle young gun Harrison Graham will start at hooker as Roosters veteran Connor Watson faces a final test to prove his fitness for Sunday's NRL grand final. 

Initially named in jumper No.14, Graham has come into the starting side in place of suspended hooker Phoenix Crossland, who was handed a four-game ban for a hip-drop tackle on Tuesday night. 

Watson, the Roosters No.14 suffered a head knock in last week's preliminary final victory over the Dolphins. 

The veteran was ruled of the remainder of the game and must seek clearance from the NRL to take his place in Sunday's grand final. Watson has signed with the Dragons for next season and is pushing for one final appearance for the Tricolours. 

Roosters coach Trent Robinson said Watson will complete further testing on Thursday afternoon before a final decision is made on Friday morning. Should he be ruled out, youngster Benaiah Ioelu will likely come on to the six-man bench. 

"He had an appointment [Thursday] morning that went well and he's got another one this afternoon," Robinson said at the official grand final press conference. 

"It's out of our hands so we'll get a ruling on that tonight or tomorrow and he'll either be in or out. It's pretty simple from our end and he's got one more test to do now."

Watson's plight comes as the Knights navigate the loss of their 2026 Danny Buderus Medal winner for Sunday's grand final. 

Coach Justin Holbrook said it was important to name Crossland at No.9 despite the high likelihood he would be suspended. 

The New Zealand international was eventually handed a four-game suspension, opening the door for Graham to come into the starting side. 

The Dolphins inaugural signing back in 2021, the youngster moved to Newcastle this season in search of more opportunities. 

While he started the year on the outside looking in, Graham went on to play 19 games and Holbrook declared he is ready to step up on Sunday night. 

"He's been really impressive," Holbrook said. "A number of players have forced their way in and have got an opportunity in our side who weren't there at the start of the year. 

"As a coach that's what you're so happy about, the other coaching staff have done an outstanding job bringing guys along and we're not too worried who's not playing, we're focused on who is playing. 

"We went into that finals series with that approach and we've been successful every week doing it that way and we'll continue that on Sunday so expect Harrison to do his job."

With Graham shifting to the starting side, Diesel Hagan looms as a potential addition to Newcastle's six-man bench. 

Should the 19-year-old get on the field on Sunday night, he will become the first man to make his first grade debut in a grand final in 90 years.

The last player to do so was Eddy Lockhart, who started at centre for Balmain in the 1936 grand final loss to the Roosters. 

Hagan was the NSW Under 19 captain this season and finished the year as the Knights starting hooker in reserve grade.

While it's a big stage to be thrust into, Holbrook is confident the teenager will handle the bright lights. 

"He's a great young player," Holbrook said. "He captained NSW Under 19 this year and was they're player of the match. What I love about players like that is he's ready to go.

"He's like 'I'm ready ' so he's a confident young kid, a good work ethic and got a huge future. He's in the mix. Will he play Sunday? I'm not sure."

After 4 weeks of thrilling finals, it all comes down to this. One play can define a season. These are the moments that matter. Don't miss a second of the action with kick-off at 7.30pm Sunday night live on Nine, 9Now and Sky Sports NZ.