Connor Watson locks down five-eighth spot for Newcastle Knights

A HOST of players impressed as the Knights tackled premiers Melbourne, and coach Nathan Brown has made up his mind on a key positional puzzle.

Mitchell Pearce and Connor Watson will be Newcastle’s halves for Round 1. Picture: Brett Costello

CONNOR Watson will wear the Newcastle No. 6 jersey into the opening round of the NRL season after a strong showing in the Knights’ upset trial win over reigning premiers Melbourne Storm at AAMI Park.

Speaking with The Daily Telegraph, coach Nathan Brown confirmed Watson would partner NSW Origin No. 7 Mitchell Pearce for the opener against Manly.

The two Roosters recruits both performed solidly in the trial game at a locked AAMI Park, which saw the Knights sneak home 26-22.

Pearce only played the first half, but kicked for one try and threw the last pass for another. Watson, meanwhile, produced an effort Brown described as “really good”, while also playing 20 minutes at fullback.

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Mitchell Pearce and Connor Watson will be Newcastle’s halves for Round 1. Picture: Brett Costello

Over summer, plenty of league experts — including eighth Immortal Andrew Johns — have publicly suggested Brown pick rising star Brock Lamb, not Watson, as the halves partner for Pearce.

But when asked if the trial had helped him determine his pairing for round one, Brown said: “We already know what we’re doing there.

“We will be starting the year with Mitch at halfback and Connor at five-eighth.

“The younger guys know that as well.

“But both Brock and Jack Cogger had some really good touches against Melbourne too. Lamby kicked for a try and ‘Cogs’ passed for the one we scored right on the bell.

“I’m really happy with the way our younger guys are developing.”

Mitchell Pearce had his first hitout in Knights colours.

Asked about Pearce, the coach added: “Yeah, I was very, very happy with his game. He passed for a try, kicked for a try and took some really good options.

“In attack, I thought we looked a fair bit quicker than we did last season, too. And more threatening.”

Elsewhere, Brown also praised his young forwards for a “solid” performance against a Melbourne pack boasting almost all its big names bar skipper Cameron Smith.

“The first half, their forwards were really coming with good pace and our guys met them,’’ Brown said.

“So physically, I thought our young forwards looked better. But I will know more after our next trial against Parramatta.”

Originally published as Connor Watson locks down five-eighth spot for Newcastle Knights