A year ago, Sydney Roosters star Connor Watson was wheelchair-bound and struggling with an injury that cast doubt on his rugby league career.
He makes his State of Origin debut for NSW at the MCG on Wednesday evening, marking the culmination of an incredible comeback from his shock health battle.
Watson’s journey to this point is filled with challenges. He missed the entire 2023 season due to a serious knee injury that required help from his mother Jodie and girlfriend Kiana.
“I had to get mum to help me out of bed,” said Watson, reflecting on this week’s NSW camp ahead of the must-win match against Queensland.
His problems started in the summer of 2023 when he suffered a patellar tendon tear during pre-season.
The severity of the injury and the fact his contract with the Roosters expired cast a shadow over his future in the NRL.
“In principle you can miss a year of football, but there are worse things going on in the world,” Watson said.
Connor Watson missed 18 months of First Division football, was wheelchair-bound and returned through the Reserves several months ago, but has earned a State of Origin call-up for NSW
Watson had to move back in with his mother Jodie (pictured) in Terrigal because he could not climb the stairs himself
Watson also paid tribute to girlfriend Kiana Flanet, who was “a rock” during his recovery
The situation became so bad that Watson was forced to move back to his mother’s house in Terrigal because he could not climb the stairs to his apartment.
“I had to go to mom’s because I have stairs to my apartment and I had to keep my leg straight,” Watson said.
His mother and girlfriend provided crucial support during his recovery. “They were so rock solid to me,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Watson remained determined.
“When I got the call and spoke to my mum and a few different family and friends, a few of them said, ‘Imagine if you told yourself last year you were going to play State of Origin.’ It’s pretty wild,” Watson said.
He slowly began his rehabilitation, starting with walking in a rehabilitation pool and eventually transitioning to running in January.
In November, the Roosters re-signed Watson for a further two seasons. He started the season in the reserve grade, but in March he was back for the Chooks, scoring a double in a win over South Sydney after 558 days away from the first grade.
Watson’s journey has been an inspiration to his teammates, including fellow Roosters star Angus Crichton, who has faced his own setbacks and will join Watson on the field for State of Origin II.
“He has a very clear idea of who he is, he is a versatile man who works very hard and has never lost sight of his goals,” Crichton said.
Watson will be compared to NSW greats Craig Wing and Kurt Gidley ahead of his debut on Wednesday night
Coach Michael Maguire appreciates Watson’s versatility, a quality that has earned him comparisons to former utility player Craig Wing.
“He looks quite handsome, I don’t know if I can compete with him on that,” Watson joked about Wing.
He also spoke about his admiration for Kurt Gidley.
Watson’s ability to play in multiple positions, from hooker to lock and even in the halves, makes him an asset for New South Wales.
‘I feel comfortable [at centre]said Watson, when presented with a scenario where he could be shuffled into position if an outside defender went down.
Watson quickly made an impact after his long layoff to regain his place with the Sydney Roosters
Watson pictured with his mother Jodie (left), younger brother Fletcher and father Mark
He has learned to embrace the utility role, which he initially considered less desirable.
“When I was younger I wanted to start, but as time goes by you realize that being able to hold all these positions is actually a strength, it’s fun, it’s always different,” he shared.
While his exact role in the game remains uncertain, Watson is ready for anything. “You have your role, which at the Roosters for me is most weeks nine and 13, but then you have to be prepared for whatever else comes,” he said.
Even if Watson only sees limited minutes in the game, the significance of his journey to State of Origin is not lost on him.
‘Probably not [sink in] until I play. Once I play, I’ll sit back and think, and it’ll kind of sink in,” Watson said. “It’s so cool to be a part of this.”
“I’m definitely grateful for the whole journey, the ups and the downs.
“Despite all the hard times, I have been fortunate to have wonderful friends and family around me.”