Roosters announce signings of two in-demand players

The Roosters have pulled off a big retention play with two players rejecting rival offers to remain with the club after a nightmare 2023 season.

Billy Smith of the Roosters. Photo by Matt King/Getty Images.

The Roosters have announced the re-signings of two players, with centre Billy Smith extending for one year (2024) and utility Connor Watson staying put for two more years (2024 and 2025).

Foxsports.com.au reports the 23-year-old Smith has endured a horror run of injuries since debuting in 2019 but enjoyed his best season to date in 2023, proving a key piece of the Roosters’ impressive late season run to a semi-final.

“I’m so grateful to the Roosters for the loyalty they’ve shown me over the years. I love the Club and I look forward to continuing to repay the Roosters for the belief they have always had in me,” Smith said in a club-issued statement.

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“For me personally, 2023 was my best year of footy and I’m excited to build on that in 2024.”

Watson didn’t play in 2023 after suffering a pre-season knee injury but will return to the field this month. He impressed in 21 games for the Tricolours in 2022.

Billy Smith of the Roosters. Photo by Matt King/Getty Images.

“I’m stoked to re-commit to the Roosters for another two years. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with the coaches and players we have here, and to play my role for the team,” Watson said.

Roosters coach Trent Robinson said it was “terrific” that the club were able to re-sign Smith and Watson.

“Billy is an Eastern Suburbs local and he is respected by his teammates for his dedication to all aspects of his preparation and performance. It was terrific to see Billy’s growth throughout the 2023 season and I’m looking forward to continuing to work with him,” said Robinson.

“While we were all disappointed for Connor at the time of his injury, it says a lot about his character that he used the year to mentor some of the younger players in our squad and to work on areas of his own development both on and off the field.

“He (Watson) is a much-loved member of our Club for the player and person he is, and it’s great that he will continue to represent the Roosters for the next few years.”