Now halfway through the season, Roosters utility Connor Watson says that he's adjusted to life back in the Eastern Suburbs off the field and his new role in the middle on the field.
Following four years in Newcastle, Watson has returned to Moore Park and says he has settled back in at the Club where he debuted as a teenager, despite combinations still coming together.
“It’s been awesome," he said.
“I’m loving being back here. It’s awesome to connect again with all the boys and with all the coaches and all the staff and then meet some new faces - there’s plenty of those hanging around too.
“I feel football-wise we’ve been a bit inconsistent, which has been a little bit frustrating, but that’s part of it. We’ve just got to keep on working hard to turn it around.
“Off the field, it’s been good living back down in Sydney. It’s a little bit different – a little more expensive – and a little more traffic than I’m used to driving around.
“But I’m loving it. Bondi is amazing.”
Watson: "It's Time to Bounce Back"
Able to play almost any position required of him, the energetic utility has had a focus on the dummy-half role following an injury to regular no.9 Sam Verrills in Round 9.
Watson's one-two punch combination with Drew Hutchison at hooker is one that has seen him cause havoc in the last fortnight, scoring a try against the Sharks before making a big break against the Raiders on Sunday.
“It’s the role that we’ve needed to play for the team,” Watson admitted.
“When I came here the plan was to play multiple positions and move around wherever injuries were and whatever the team needed.
“We’ve just had injuries to Sammy which has been frustrating for him. It’s given me and Drewy a big opportunity to play no.9.
“Sammy’s back in a couple of weeks and I’ll be looking forward to playing no.9 and doing more of that no.13 role and wherever else the team needs me.”
I feel football-wise we’ve been a bit inconsistent, which has been a little bit frustrating, but that’s part of it. We’ve just got to keep on working hard to turn it around.
Connor Watson On the Roosters' form in 2022 so far
As for Saturday's task against the Melbourne Storm, the 26-year-old was candid about what was required to grind out a win back at home at the Sydney Cricket Ground, especially for the Roosters Members and supporters.
“It’s a big challenge for the team,” he said.
“The Storm are always good. They’re always a tough team that you have to be really present and there to play some tough footy.
“It was a disappointing loss on the weekend to the Raiders. I felt like we just didn’t do enough to come away with the two points, but we’re looking forward to the Storm this week.
“It’s a good opportunity for us to turn it around and prove to ourselves and to the fans and everyone that last weekend wasn’t acceptable.”
