LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
'A Fairy-Tale Come True': Connor Watson Could be the Utility Player the Blues are Searching for
"If Michael Maguire wants to turn the tide and avoid a repeat of game one, he needs to select rugby league's jack-of-all-trades," as per a report on news.com.au.
Critics slammed Michael Maguire for not having a true versatile player on the bench during game one.
However, the rookie NSW coach has a potential game-changer in Connor Watson, who was reportedly on the brink of making his Origin debut before a frustrating injury setback dashed his dreams.
The Roosters' utility player has been exceptional in various positions, showcasing his skills by taking on the full 80 minutes at dummy-half against the Eels when Brandon Smith was sidelined for missing a team meeting.
With the ability to seamlessly switch between hooker, lock, halves, or even centre, Watson embodies every coach's dream of having a Swiss Army knife at their disposal, especially with the plethora of injuries plaguing key players in the league.
Unfortunately, Watson has faced his fair share of setbacks due to injuries.
A seemingly harmless bump to the throat during Magic Round landed him on the sidelines for a month just as speculation about his Origin debut was at its peak.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Watson shared, "It was a bizarre injury.
It was frustrating because it seemed so minor." The fracture in his throat cartilage in 2022 kept him out of the game while he felt ready to return after a week.
However, medical advice emphasized the risks of playing prematurely.
In the unpredictable world of Rugby League, Watson's resilience and adaptability make him a valuable asset that could potentially turn the tide in favor of NSW and fulfill his childhood dream of representing the Blues on the Origin stage.