Last Sunday, Connor Watson proved why he is one of the league’s most enterprising and hard-working players.
His statistics may have not weighed up to his teammates, however, when talking about heart and determination, no Knight comes closer.
Throughout the 2020/21 season, Knights have been dealt with injuries and suspension which have dramatically plagued their season. While both Ponga and Pearce have had lengthy spells off the field, someone had to step up.
In trying to fill the void missing in these positions, Connor Watson was there to fill each and every one.
A multi-talented player who has played at fullback, in the halves, at hooker and in his preferred lock position, making Watson hot property for any coach interested.
This metaphorical footy resume has provided Watson with a move back to the current top four side, the Sydney Roosters. A side coached by a premiership-winning, Trent Robinson, and lead by NSW captain, James Tedesco.
However, there is so much more to Connor Watson than meets the eye.
A Ken Stephens Medalist, Connor Watson is building a platform to inspire the younger generation both on and off the field, here’s why Connor Watson will forever be remembered as a ‘Knight.’
Connor Watson was signed by the Newcastle Knights in 2018 by former coach Nathan Brown. He started his Knight's career in flying colours with a win against the Manly Sea Eagles. Only one round later, Watson scored his first try in a win against the Canberra Raiders. After two rounds, Watson was already a fan favourite and part of Newcastle's starting lineup.
In 2019, Watson put the NRL on notice. He finished the season running almost 100 metres per game along with 82 linebreaks and 583 tackles in 21 games. However, the Knights finished in 11th place for the consecutive season meaning changes had to be made.
Introducing Adam O'Brien, former assistant coach to both Trent Robinson and Craig Bellamy. In replacing Nathan Brown, Adam Obrien was hired to provide a spark in an underachieving Knights side. With an already talented squad, O'Brien emphasised the attacking prowesses of Kalyn Ponga and Mitchell Pearce. The introduction of O'Brien was the start of Watson's career as a proactive utility. From 2020 onwards, Watson welcomed the utility position with open arms.
Injuries prohibited progress in 2020. A series of recurring ankle injuries plagued his season. This is where Connor Watson started to make an impact off the field.
In 2020, Connor Watson was awarded the Ken Stephens medal. An award that recognises a rugby league player's contributions off the field for community and charity work.
Connor and his parents, Mark and Jodie, started the 'Cultural Choice Association'. The association works to raise awareness and to support the prevention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth suicide.
Four years ago, Connor tragically lost his 17-year-old cousin, Parker, to suicide. Using his platform, Connor decided to start an initiative that would raise money and awareness for the association and the prevention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth suicide.
'Boots for Brighter Futures' is an initiative that takes place during the Indigenous round every year. Football boots are customised by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from all over Australia. Each boot is personalised by the artist with context to their own communities and stories. These boots are worn by certain NRL players and are eventually auctioned to bidders. All proceeds are shared between the Cultural Choice Association and the artists.
As an initiative that started three years ago, it has created plenty of traction. In 2019, with the help of the Newcastle Knights, Connor set up an auction page that would allow people to donate for the limited boots.
Now in 2021, Connor has partnered with not only the Newcastle Knights, however, the West Tigers, Sydney Roosters, Canterbury Bulldogs, Melbourne Storm and Canberra Raiders.
During the recent 2021 Indigenous Round, there were 75 boots up for auction. A large sum was raised with Kalyn Ponga's boots receiving a 1.8k bid being the highest-paid pair of boots.
Connor Watson signed his Newcastle contract in 2018, coinciding with the signing of teenage sensation Kalyn Ponga. These two would live together in Newcastle starting a bond that has lasted to this day.
The two decided to start a brand called 'The 257 Collective'. Starting as a vlogging channel, the brand has evolved into a multi-dimensional label distributing visual and audio podcasts, clothing and coffee. Featuring Connor, Kalyn and Knights forward, Matt Croker, the group has continued to produce content even through the current COVID-19 situation. Their newest release 'Lords Collective Cold Brew' was in partnership with Newcastle coffee shop 'Lords Coffee'. This new addition to their brand epitomises the fresh and laid-back vibe created by their podcasts.
Core to their brand, the podcasts work to share the voices of those who watch. thus inspiring many people to create and share content.
Newcastle Knights have shaped and moulded Connor Watson into an outstanding player on the field and a heroic person off it. Inspiring people to make an impact on life even when you've been hindered by it. Connor was knocked down a peg by injury in 2020, so he chose to make a difference.
The NRL competition is surrounded by negative media, and sometimes it's brought upon by players and staff. However, to shine a light on the positive contributions that players are making is a step in the right direction. Connor Watson embodies the type of role model the younger generations and the NRL needs.
Next year he'll be a Rooster, but he'll always be a Knight.