Connor Watson Ruled Out of NRL Grand Final With Concussion
- Sydney Roosters hooker Connor Watson has been ruled out of the 2026 NRL grand final against the Newcastle Knights after failing to receive clearance from an independent doctor...
- Watson suffered a head knock just one minute into last Friday night’s preliminary final victory over the Dolphins when he dived for the ball alongside Dolphins player Kulikefu...
- He had an appointment this morning that went well, and he’s got another one this afternoon, but it’s out of our hands.
Sydney Roosters hooker Connor Watson has been ruled out of the 2026 NRL grand final against the Newcastle Knights after failing to receive clearance from an independent doctor following a head knock, abc.net.au reported.
Concussion Ruling Forces Late Grand Final Withdrawal
Watson suffered a head knock just one minute into last Friday night’s preliminary final victory over the Dolphins when he dived for the ball alongside Dolphins player Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, according to The Daily Telegraph. While the Roosters initially classified the incident as a category-two head injury assessment, the independent doctor upgraded it to a category-one concussion. That classification carries an automatic 11-day stand-down period that blocks the player from training or playing.
The club sought special clearance from an independent neurologist to allow the 30-year-old utility to line up in the decider, as reported by NRL.com. However, that request was denied on Thursday. Roosters coach Trent Robinson addressed the media at the grand final press conference earlier in the week, noting that the decision was completely out of the team’s control.
He had an appointment this morning that went well, and he’s got another one this afternoon, but it’s out of our hands. We’ll get a ruling on his fitness either Thursday or Friday and he’ll either be in or out, it’s pretty simple from our end.
Career Impact and Imminent Move to the Dragons
The grand final absence marks a bitter end to Watson’s second stint with the Sydney club. Having played 25 games this season primarily from the interchange bench at either lock or hooker, Watson will join the Dragons next season and is slated to move to the Chiefs in 2028, according to Nine.com.au.
The setback means Watson has played his final game for the Tricolours. Having also spent three seasons with Newcastle from 2018 to 2021, he missed the club’s 2019 grand final appearance and remains without a grand final appearance across a 193-game career, noted The Daily Telegraph.
Squad Replacements and Match Day Lineups
With Watson sidelined, young hooker Benaiah Ioelu is expected to step into the six-man interchange bench for Sunday’s match at Accor Stadium, though Egan Butcher also remains an option for the Roosters, according to NRL.com. Ioelu has featured in five NRL matches across the season.
Both clubs enter the contest facing distinct roster adjustments. Newcastle will be missing Phoenix Crossland after the hooker was suspended by the judiciary on Tuesday night, forcing Harrison Graham into the starting nine role alongside rumors concerning debutant Diesel Hagan, according to Nine.com.au. Meanwhile, Roosters halfback Daly Cherry-Express prepares to become the oldest player in grand final history at 37 years and 183 days old, eclipsing Cameron Smith’s previous benchmark from 2020.
Connor, we want him to play, he deserves to play. Whether he’s fit to play will get decided by someone else, then we’ll adapt.
