The Roosters have reportedly granted utility Connor Watson permission to speak to rival clubs with the NSW State of Origin representative set to attract attention from a number of teams. Watson has been utilised from the bench in the 2026 season with the new NRL rules potentially limiting his role.
The NRL extended the bench to six players in 2026, which means teams don’t have to rely on a utility to recover as many positions. Watson already expressed his concern about the new rule, but has still found himself coming on for the side.
The Roosters have reportedly granted utility Connor Watson (pictured far left) permission to speak to rival clubs. (Getty Images)
Although Reece Robson’s return from injury and Victor Radley’s comeback from a club-imposed suspension means Watson could see his game time limited. And Code Sports has reported the Roosters have granted Watson permission to talk to rival clubs.
While the Roosters don’t want to push Watson out the door and value the 29-year-old star, they will allow him to join a rival club if offered a long-term deal. And there are a number of clubs who would be interested in taking Watson.
Watson has played a number of positions throughout his career, but shines at No.9 or lock. The Manly Sea Eagles could look to bring Watson further north in Sydney with his skills around dummy-half an attracting prospect for the club.
Both the Perth Bears and PNG Chiefs could also look to sign Watson as they both put together a roster for the upcoming seasons. Watson won’t be short on clubs interested in signing him. However, he will have to decide whether to see out his deal until the end of 2027, or seek a new home. Regardless, Watson might find it harder to improve on his game time at the Roosters due to the new rule changes and Radley’s return this weekend.
Connor Watson (pictured) has reportedly been granted permission to negotiate with rival teams.
(Brendon Thorne via Getty Images)NRL rule change forces Connor Watson change
Ahead of the season, the NRL extended the bench to allow teams to choose from an extra two players throughout the game. While a coach can still only play four reserves across his 10 interchanges, he now has two extra players to select from within that rotation. This means coaches have more cover across their bench, which has lessened the impact of mid-game injuries.
This has also limited Watson’s role in some capacity. Watson was used in State of Origin for the Blues off the bench because he could cover No.9, lock and a variety of roles along the backline.
However, coaches can now carry a specialist back, playmaker and four forwards. This reduces the utilities role if there is a specific injury or if the game plan changes. Regardless of the rule changes, Watson admitted he needed to adapt to the new game.
“You’re not going to have guys that can play every position, really,” he said earlier in the season. “That’s sort of going to be ruled out of the game, unfortunately, because that’s something that I’ve prided myself on throughout my career. You’ve just got to adapt and go with it.”