Roosters utility Connor Watson is ready to play hooker or lock to help the Bondi club overcome a horror injury toll and “prove people wrong”.
As Brandon Smith declared he had no hard feeling towards Canberra captain Elliott Whitehead – whose hip-drop tackle left him with ruptured MCL and ACL ligaments – Watson said the Roosters deserved to remain in premiership consideration because of their depth.
“We have talent everywhere,” Watson told this masthead. “We have a great amount of depth, and although we lose Brandon and Sammy Walker [to an ACL] and ‘Rads’ [Victor Radley], if you look at our team, there’s lots of talent there, and we just need to believe we can do it.
“Why can’t we do it? That’s more the question. We need to have that attitude and mentality. People will doubt us, but it’s a good opportunity to prove people wrong and go and enjoy our footy.″
Watson has played dummy-half and lock, and may have to fill in at either position on Friday against South Sydney after the loss of hooker Smith and No.13 Nat Butcher, who failed his HIA on the weekend.
Roosters utility Connor Watson.
“I’m absolutely gutted for Brandon, his last month of footy, he’s been in great form for us, and it sucks to lose him,” Watson said.
“It’s a big challenge for us, but it’s also exciting for the young guys coming in and being a part of the finals run we will go on.
“If ‘Robbo’ [coach Trent Robinson] wants me to play No. 9, I’m ready to do it. If I have to play No.13, I’ll go there. I’ll go wherever I’m needed. I have enjoyed No.9 when I’ve been there. Injuries happen, but what it does do is give other guys an opportunity. For me, I’m happy to do what it takes to win.”
Confirmation Smith had suffered the same injury as Walker came soon after the halfback’s ruptured ACL was made official. Both are likely to be out for at least nine months.
Smith told Nine News on Monday: “We were doing so well in the comp, I’m gutted for everyone ... I feel like I’ve let them down, I know it’s not the case, but that’s sort of how your feelings are.
“As long as I keep my mental health sorted, I’ll be happy. It’s time to focus on my recovery. At the end of the day, you have to accept what’s going on. I can’t sit around and cry about it.
“I had my moment of sadness, now it’s that moment of acceptance. [The Whitehead] tackle was an accident. I’m actually close with Elliot. I know there was no ill intention. It was unfortunate.”
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