Roosters star’s grand final at risk as doctor overrules HIA call
Updated . First published at
Connor Watson’s grand final hopes are hanging by a thread after he was knocked out a minute into his preliminary final appearance for the Roosters.
Watson fought for possession with Dolphins forward Kulikefu Finefeuiaki in the 31st minute and went head first into the second-rower’s hip.
Connor Watson left the game early after suffering a head knock. Getty Images
The utility was immediately dazed and had to be assisted from the field.
Watson’s HIA was originally ruled as a category two by the Roosters, but Nine’s Danika Mason revealed it was overruled by the independent doctor, who deemed it a category one – ending his night and enforcing the 11-day stand-down.
Post-match, Roosters coach Trent Robinson confirmed that was the case.
“He’s in the middle of doing his tests now to see where he’s at,” Robinson said.
“I’d say that’s still watch this space on Connor ... (appealing) depends on how his tests go now, we’ll see how that goes.”
The Roosters won the preliminary final 36-20 and Watson won’t be available due to the mandatory 11-day stand down policy.
On rare occasions, a club can seek an exemption to have the player cleared before the 11-day stand down process is meant to end.
Watson is leaving the Roosters at the end of this season for a one-year deal with the Dragons before making the move to the PNG Chiefs.
Darren Lockyer believes the Tricolours and the utility will take whatever measures possible to see if he can play the grand final.
“I think there’s a bit to play out with this one,” he said.
“Obviously, he’ll do everything he can to play, and I think the Roosters (will too).
“It’s his last game for the club, so I’m sure they’ll be going through the proper process and the game will have to assess to see if they allow him to play.
“Obviously concussion is a very serious thing, but I think we’ll be hearing a lot about this during the week.”
Connor Watson is assessed by the Roosters trainer. NRL Imagery
The Roosters will also sweat on the match review committee’s decision around a Victor Radley hip-drop tackle. Radley was placed on report in the 25th minute after conceding a penalty when he tackled Herbie Farnworth from behind.
Billy Slater sympathised with Radley.
“The fact he’s (Farnworth) got that ability to move and change direction, he can put the defender in awkward situations,” he said on Nine.
Lockyer predicted Radley could get a fine and was emphatic in his view on any suspension.
“Let them play ... you can’t miss a grand final for that,” he said.
