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The developing story of Connor Watson’s future has taken a dramatic turn, with the Sydney Roosters<\/a> allowing the Origin star to head to the open market for 2027 if he can secure a long-term deal.<\/p>\n Watson’s utility value may have been his downfall at the tri-colours, as he excels in both lock and hooker at a high level, and isn’t playing the amount of minutes he probably deserves.<\/p>\n There will be plenty of clubs monitoring the situation carefully as he decides where to take his career next.<\/p>\n 6. Manly Sea Eagles\u00a0<\/p>\n Without a strike dummy half since the departure of Apisai Koroisau<\/a> in 2019, Manly have lacked creativity and a game-breaker from the hooker position. Veteran Lachlan Croker<\/a> did a great job in his service but wasn’t an out-and-out star in the position.\u00a0<\/p>\n Watson could also be a long-term option as a 13 too, with Jake Trbojevic<\/a> nearing the end of his illustrious career, it would be a natural change of guard for the Sea Eagles.<\/p>\n