Since making the move to Newcastle in 2018, Connor Watson has played 61 games for the knights where has scored 14 tries, made 213 tackle breaks, 26 offloads and 1,477 tackles, but it seems the 25-year-old’s stay in the Hunter is coming to an end.

Watson is off-contract at the end of this season and it is believed that the Knights have put an offer on the table, but for whatever reason, are not too enthusiastic about giving him a sizable deal.

This rejection has reportedly led to Watson receiving some serious interest from the Wests Tigers, who would be looking to use the Dubbo native at lock or as their bench utility player.

However, the story does not stop there, as Watson has reportedly gone on to phone rival clubs, namely the Roosters, about a potential spot on their roster in 2022.

“I think he’ll speak to Trent Robinson in the next few days,” said Channel Nine’s Danny Weidler via the Big Sports Breakfast.

“I think he’s doing his own dealings.

“There’s a good offer to stay at Newcastle but there is some enthusiasm from the Roosters to have him back but not on a three-year deal.”

 
Watson has of course played for the Roosters before, making his NRL debut for the club back in 2016 at just 19-years-old.

During his time at the Sydney Roosters, Watson would play in 38 games, scoring nine tries, breaking 84 tackles and making 479.

If he were to return to Bondi next season, Watson would likely be used as Sydney’s bench utility player, as he could provide cover for three of the Roosters’ more injury-prone players in Luke Keary, Sam Verills and Victor Radley.

An outside factor that may be impacted as a result of this situation is Kalyn Ponga.

Connor Watson’s close friendship with Ponga is no secret, and one must wonder how the Queensland Origin representative is reacting to this ordeal and if it could sour his relationship with the Knights.

Ponga is contracted to the Knights until the end of next season with an option in his favour for 2023 that he may not take up if he is not playing with Watson.