Watson told he’s surplus to requirements as Roosters look to build up war chest

The Sydney Roosters have told New South Wales utility Connor Watson that he can speak to other NRL clubs immediately, and will be allowed to leave for 2027 if he can strike up a bargain with any interested teams for next year.

Watson does have 12 months left on his current Roosters deal, but the tricolours don’t see a long-term role for him at the club and want to get his pay packet off the salary cap as soon as possible.

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Trent Robinson and the Roosters would never force Watson out, and are happy to play him should he stay in 2027, but with Reece Robson seen as the long-term hooker at Easts and Hugo Savala able to fill the utility role, Watson has become surplus to requirements.

The Sporting Base understands there are also some slight nerves from the Easts retention team after Watson spoke to R360 representatives last season. That rebel league fell through ⁠— and cost Zac Lomax a spot in the NRL in what became the offseason’s fiery story ⁠— but the Roosters think Watson may be interested again if the concept is revived.

Sydney is also simply eager to free up a mega war chest. With Angus Crichton and Mark Nawaqanitawase moving to rugby union next season, Daly Cherry-Evans only on a one-year deal, and Daniel Tupou likely to leave the club, the Roosters will have some cash in their pockets.

For Watson, several immediate options have already popped up. The Manly Sea Eagles and Perth Bears have enquired with his agents already, with the Sea Eagles likely to be leading that race simply because they’re in Sydney.

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St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan has previously been interested in Watson, too, and may like the idea of the utility playing No.9 alongside Jacob Liddle at the Dragons, though he may not be in charge next season.

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And for the Roosters, they likely spend Watson’s freed-up pay on recruiting new backline targets. They’ve already signed winger Reuben Garrick for 2027, but will need to recruit several other players to fill now-open gaps.

Watson is reportedly always happy to head back to Newcastle should the option arise, though that’s unlikely right now.