Connor Watson's much-publicised return to the Club will see him take on multiple roles across the field for the Roosters - and he couldn't be happier with the added responsibility.
For the first time since 2017, Watson will don the famous Red, White and Blue, much to the excitement of the Roosters' faithful following a four-year stint at the Newcastle Knights.
The 25-year-old says that despite unforeseen circumstances, his first pre-season back in Bondi has been productive - particularly with his new roving role which will see him cover a multitude of positions throughout the year.
"It's probably the first time in five years I've been on Roosters TV," he laughed.
"But it's been really good training. We've had a really good pre-season, even with covid and a couple of interruptions here and there. I think we're starting to gel at the right time and I'm looking forward to 2022.
"Last year I was more focussed on thirteen, then the year before that thirteen and nine. In the years before that I've played one, six, seven, nine, in the centres - so I've just touched on all those roles in the pre-season. It has changed my training a bit.
Watson: "Adapt and Overcome"
"As we get closer towards the year I've been doing a bit more nine and thirteen and focussing on those two roles and having all the other ones in my back pocket.
"I love it. It keeps things so fresh and interesting all the time. You're not doing that same role over and over again and it allows you to play footy more so than worrying about the details of every single role.
"When you move around so much you adapt and overcome."
Despite not being named for the side's second and final trial this Friday night, the trip up to Gosford will be a special for the Central Coast product.
Not only will he be returning to his old stomping ground, but he will get to witness a number of locals taking the field for the Roosters - many of whom came through the grades at his junior club.
"It's pretty cool playing on the Coast, being the area where I grew up," he said.
"There's actually a lot of 'coasties' in this squad at the moment - I think there's about four of five Kincumber Colts which has been pretty funny.
"A lot of the young guys like Sandon Smith, Tom Deakin, Zac Montgomery and Ben Thomas - all those guys who I was a few years older than - I watched when they were really young and carving up.
"It's been awesome to see those guys on the rise and playing for the Roosters as well."
I love it. It keeps things so fresh and interesting all the time. You're not doing that same role over and over again and it allows you to play footy more so than worrying about the details of every single role.
Connor Watson On training in multiple positions
Following the Club's Membership milestone - reaching 16,000 Members in record time - Watson is determined to repay the committed Roosters faithful as the side finally return to the hallowed Sydney Cricket Ground in Round 1.
The match will also be a watershed moment for the versatile utility, not only by taking on his former side to open the Club's 115th consecutive campaign but by experiencing the grandeur of the SCG's home sheds.
"It's so good. It just shows that the Club is on the right track," he said.
"It's been a tough couple of years for them as well so it's great to see their commitment especially not being able to see much footy with the comp moving last year and no crowds.
"It shows how passionate the Roosters fans are and hopefully we can repay them with some good footy. I'm super excited about that. It'll be a good way to kick off against the old team and to play here at the SCG.
"I've never played in a home team at the SCG because I left just before we moved into there but I walked into the sheds on our media day and there's so much history around that stadium - it's pretty special.
"To actually be part of the home team there is pretty cool. I'm excited."
