Connor Watson - 150 Games of Grit

Sydney Roosters utility and proud Gamilaroi man, Connor Watson, is set to lace up his boots this Friday and run out for a significant milestone in his career, 150 NRL games.

Representing the Red, White & Blue, Watson will play his milestone game in the highly anticipated Round 5 clash against rivals the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Accor Stadium.

Watson’s inspirational journey through Rugby League is one marked by versatility, perseverance, and devotion to his community.

Here, There and Everywhere

The 1160th Rooster first donned the Tricolours when he made his NRL debut in the 2016 Round 7 clash against the Penrith Panthers. The impressive dynamic playing style of Watson, with his ability to cover multiple positions, saw massive recognition and commendation from the coaching staff.

Coach Trent Robinson spoke on Watson early in his playing career,

“He just brings so much energy to the field.”

“It's incredible every time he plays [because] there is a huge amount of energy around him, he's strong, and he's attacking the line. He's a great guy who brings a lot of fun to a game.” Robbo added.

In the 2017 Auckland Nines Tournament, the absence of Mitchell Pearce and Luke Keary allowed for the then 20-year-old to step up into the halves. Watson took this opportunity with both hands and put his tremendous and intense energy on display.

Taking the reins of the team, the young passionate utility led his Bondi soldiers to their maiden nines title, defeating the Panthers 10-8 in the Final. Watson’s efforts were acknowledged and was awarded the MVP of the tournament.

The passion and enthusiasm embodied by Watson led him to representative honours. Where he would don jersey number fourteen for NSW Country in their 2017 clash against NSW City. This established his role as a utility and foreshadowed Watson’s role as a representative fourteen.

Watson’s impressive first two seasons showcased his ability and saw him move up the coast to take up an opportunity with the Newcastle Knights in 2018.

Watson played 66 games in four years at the Knights, where the growth of his game resulted in him representing the Indigenous All Stars in 2020 and again in 2025, an achievement that connects deep with the proud Gamilaroi man.

The utility finished his stint in Newcastle and arrived back in Bondi in 2022, immediately picking up where he left off, showing his teammates and coaching staff the calibre of his talents.

In 2024, all his hard work and talents paid off as he made his highly anticipated New South Wales Blues debut in State of Origin Game II. Describing the moment as a “Dream come true.” The Blues would go on to win Games II and III, claiming the series and the Shield.

A Resilient Rooster

Watson’s Journey in the NRL has not been one without adversity. In preseason of 2023, Watson suffered a patellar tendon tear at training, ending his season before it even started.

Despite this massive hurdle, Watson’s unstoppable resilience saw him return in 2024 to reserve grade. However, it was clear that Watson was back at his best, seeing him quickly return to first grade and debuting for New South Wales on the State of Origin stage.

This determination and work ethic portrayed is a credit to the utility, as he stands on the brink of another major career milestone with his 150th game.

Commitment To the Community

Watson’s tireless work in the community beyond the footy field is a testament to the devoted, selfless character Watson is, someone that gives everything on and off the field. A passionate ambassador for mental health in Indigenous youth, Connor and his family founded the Cultural Choice Association (CCA) in 2017, following the tragic loss of his cousin.

The CCA is a not-for-profit association whose mission is to raise awareness and support the prevention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth suicide. His commitment to giving back in the community was recognised in 2020 when he was awarded the Ken Stephen Medal, honouring players for their contributions to the community.

One of Connor’s most significant initiatives, Boots for Brighter Futures, has become a staple of the NRL’s Indigenous Round. In this program, Connor and the CCA provide Indigenous youth with an opportunity to connect with their culture and identity through art, designing boots with Indigenous artworks and stories intertwined on them.

Partnering with NRL clubs, the boots are worn by players through Indigenous round and are later auctioned off, with proceeds going towards the fight against Indigenous youth suicide.

Watson got to further embrace his cultural identity when he played a key role in designing the 2022 Roosters' Indigenous Jersey. Working closely with the club and his family’s foundation, he helped bring the vision to life, describing the process as “pretty special.”