In a move which could threaten to end Ben Hunt’s Test career, Watson is expected to be included in Mal Meninga’s preliminary Kangaroos squad.
Connor Watson is putting pressure on Ben Hunt to be Harry Grant’s understudy in the Pacific Championships as another unheralded Roosters player looms as an emergency option for the injury-hit Kiwis.
A Test debut would cap a career year for Watson, who returned from a serious knee injury in 2023 and started this campaign in the NSW Cup. North Queensland’s Reece Robson is also expected to be included in an extended squad as Meninga weighs up his options for an interchange utility following Hunt’s Dragons missing the finals.
Watson is not the only Rooster pressing for a surprise international debut with journeyman clubmate Zach Dockar-Clay, who has played just 20 NRL matches, looming as a left-field choice for New Zealand coach Stacey Jones.Halves Dylan Brown and Kieran Foran won’t play for the Kiwis due to injuries, leaving Jones trying to tempt Shaun Johnson out of his short-lived retirement and Newcastle’s Phoenix Crossland and Dockar-Clay as No.9 options.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Injury-ravaged Roosters ready to ‘prove people wrong’Utility Connor Watson says the Roosters deserve to remain in premiership consideration because of their depth.
Read more »
Injury-ravaged Roosters ready to ‘prove people wrong’Utility Connor Watson says the Roosters deserve to remain in premiership consideration because of their depth.
Read more »
‘Dangerous contact’: Roosters sweat on Watson crusher tackle amid dummyhalf crisisNRL: Penrith fans are out in force ahead of their side's Qualifying Final against the Sydney Roosters, which will also be the final match played and Penrith Park before a new facelift.
Read more »
‘We will drop something’: Roosters rap group’s debut album looming despite departing membersNRLW: A shock loss to the Tigers means the Sharks will be sweating on results to go their way to cement their top four spot.
Read more »
Nawaqanitawase to make Roosters debut against RabbitohsThe one-time Wallabies outside back will debut in the 13-a-side game a week out from the finals.
Read more »
LIVE NRL: Roosters and Rabbitohs renew epic rivalry as exciting union convert set to debutLIVE NRL: Roosters and Rabbitohs renew epic rivalry as exciting union convert set to debut
Read more »