Connor Watson‘s second stint at the Sydney Roosters looks set to come to a premature end, with the State of Origin utility given permission to leave the club.
The 29-year-old started his career with the Tricolours a decade ago before spending four years with Newcastle and then returning to Bondi in 2022.
Watson has since gone on to become a representative player, shifting into a ball-playing utility forward and spending the majority of last season at hooker for the Roosters.
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However, with the arrival of Reece Robson on a long-term deal and Watson off-contract at the end of next season, Roosters officials have opened the floodgates.
Connor Watson. Getty
“He’s been given permission to negotiate with other clubs, despite being on contract until the end of next year,” reporter Zac Bailey said on 9News Sydney.
“Roosters have basically said to him ‘if you can go out and get a long-term deal on good money, we won’t stand in your way’.
“They believe with Reece Robson coming, they’ve got the best out of Connor Watson.”
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Watson has already been linked with the Manly Sea Eagles, who could look to pounce quickly and add some much-needed spark and class through the middle.
The other likely front-runners to sign Watson for 2026 and beyond would be expansion team the Perth Bears, who have yet to attract a current Origin star.
Mal Meninga is desperate for a marquee acquisition and bringing in a player of Watson’s calibre would automatically boost the Bears’ roster for their inaugural season and he could fill either the hooker or lock-forward role with ease.
Perth Bears head coach Mal Meninga. Getty
St George Illawarra have been dismal to start the season and need to strike on the open market, but are well-stocked at hooker and lock moving forward.
The smokies could be the Bulldogs, who were linked with Watson a few years ago before he ultimately re-signed with the Roosters fresh off an ACL injury.
Watson would fit the mould of Cameron Ciraldo’s team, with the coach known for using smaller, faster and more skilful players around the ruck.
Phil Gould has tinkered plenty with Canterbury’s roster in recent years and is never far away from discussions with available, high-end talent.
Cameron Ciraldo and Phil Gould. Canterbury Bulldogs
Cronulla are also set to make some big roster calls over the next six months with a large contingent of their roster facing uncertain futures and there’s no doubt Craig Fitzgibbon could benefit from having Watson’s skillset at his disposal.
If he can’t find a suitable long-term home for next season, Watson is still signed with the Roosters and then could potentially turn his attention to the PNG Chiefs for 2028.
At this stage, the Roosters and Watson have not publicly commented on his situation.