You have skipped the navigation, tab for page content

In-demand Roosters utility Connor Watson says his future remains undecided after he played a starring role in Friday's 28-4 win over the Knights; ironically one of the two teams chasing his signature for 2018 and beyond. 

The gifted 21-year-old is contracted to the Roosters for next season but there has been speculation the playmaker will join either the Knights or the Wests Tigers on a lucrative deal if granted an early release by the Roosters. 

It's been a big 12 months for Watson who made his NRL debut last year and was named the MVP at the Auckland Nines back in February but has struggled to break into the Roosters' starting side in 2017. 

Keen to focus on Friday's win and his side's impressive form, Watson said there hadn't been any advancement in contract negotiations and that he would update the situation if and when anything happened. 

"Obviously nothing's been confirmed and nothing's set in stone at the moment so it was just another game of footy for me," Watson said after the game. 

"I'm really enjoying playing for the Roosters this year and that's where my focus is at the moment. We're in a great spot at the moment - obviously very different to where we were last year – so I'm really enjoying the footy that we're playing at the moment. 

"It's still just us talking about it but it's not something that I want to get into tonight. Whenever it's all sorted we'll work it out."

Playing against his potential employers next season in a position he's not used to, Watson stole the show at fullback with 134 running metres, two line breaks and eight tackle busts in a performance that caught the eye of Knights coach Nathan Brown. 

Brown was respectful when asked if a deal had been brokered between the two parties, telling media after the game that nothing had been finalised, and even if it had, it was up to the Roosters whether they wanted to let their young star go. 

"I had a good look at him and he certainly caused us plenty of trouble. He's lively, very lively," he said. 

"As we've said all along, he's certainly a player we're interested in and the Tigers are interested in. With the blessing of the Roosters, us and the Tigers have both spoken to him but whether the Roosters decide to let Connor go or not, and then whether he decides to come to us, that's one for the Roosters and for Connor I suppose."

 

Acknowledgement of Country

National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.

Premier Partner

Media Partners

Major Partners

View All Partners