A leading NRL reporter has described it as a “bad look” for the Roosters to be trying to free Connor Watson to play the grand final against the league’s strict concussion rules. Roosters coach Trent Robinson said Watson was set to see an independent doctor on Thursday to see if he could play against the Knights, who are missing Phoenix Crossland for the decider.
Watson took a heavy knock in the Roosters’ win over the Dolphins with the utility handed a Category 2 HIA before it was upgraded to a Category 1 a few moments later. A Category 1 means players are meant to be stood down from training and competition for 11 days as they recover from the head knock.
However the Roosters are set to appeal the decision with an independent doctor set to give his ruling. Roosters coach Trent Robinson told SEN Radio on Thursday morning the side was letting the process play out.
“Today is the day for him, he will get an independent doctor. That is one of the things he will do…the independent doctor will look at him and then that will go back to the NRL. So, try not to put too much energy into it, it’s not our decision,” Robinson said.
If passed, the Roosters will then present their case to the NRL for Watson to play. Earlier this year, Tolu Koula played for the Manly Sea Eagles after an independent doctor cleared him after a heavy collision for the NSW Blues in State of Origin 1 following a Category 2 HIA.
Connor Watson (pictured) is set to see an independent doctor to see if he can play in the NRL grand final. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)
Neurologist lifts lid on Connor Watson move
However, leading neurologist professor Mark Parsons said the vision of Watson was pretty damning on the weekend and claimed he would be surprised to see the Roosters utility play in the NRL grand final. “I’d be very surprised if an independent neurologist would clear him. I’ve seen plenty of NRL players over the years. They’ll tell you they are fine, but now we can do neurophysiological tests to give objective evidence of how the brain is functioning,” he told The Sydney Morning Herald.
“A lot of expert authorities suggest 11 days isn’t long enough when there has been a category one head injury where there has been a loss of consciousness – and looking back at the replays of the incident on Friday night, he definitely got knocked out and lost consciousness.”
Christian Nicolussi of the SMH said on the ‘Rugby League Insider’ podcast: “I just think it’s a little bit of a bad look. The dream of playing a grand final has also been taken away from Phoenix. When is an 11-day stand-down not an 11-day stand-down? Rules are rules and you don’t want to risk head knocks.”
Watson’s push to play comes as Crossland was ruled out for four games after breaking Nathan Cleary’s leg in a tackle. Crossland was sent off for a hip-drop tackle in the Knights’ win over the Panthers in the preliminary final with Newcastle playing the entire second-half with 12 men. Crossland has reached out to both Nathan and Ivan Cleary over the incident – which was accidental – but copped a four-game ban.
Benaiah Ioelu ready to step up for Roosters
If Watson is ruled out for the Roosters, Benaiah Ioelu will take his place in the side. And the Roosters academy player is excited for the week.
“It’s hard to put it into words, you always play the image in your mind as a little kid,” he told AAP. “Being here this week and this moment, you’re just super grateful for the opportunity that you’ve been given.”
Benaiah Ioelu (pictured) could play for the Roosters if Connor Watson is ruled out. (Photo by Jeremy Ng/Getty Images)
with AAP