Tough call to let Watson walk: Robinson
Jul 28, 2017 - 5:31 PM The Sydney Roosters couldn't stand in the way of Connor Watson getting the starting minutes he craved in the NRL, says coach Trent Robinson.Watson this week signed with Newcastle on a three-year deal beginning from next season after gaining a release from the final year of his current deal with the Roosters.
Robinson admitted it was a tough decision to let the promising talent walk away.
"That's the tough choice. We could've just said, 'No, you're not going anywhere, suck it up'," Robinson said of Watson's impending move.
"Sometimes you've got to do it the other way. Sometimes you have to ask players to leave.
"The other way you've got is to give players that have invested into your club, but then need to go out there and start in a position, you've got to allow that.
"I think Connor's really thankful for the club, and it was all done in the right way. Teams move on and we make the most of Connor this year."
Robinson said he couldn't guarantee Watson, who is currently deputising for injured fullback Michael Gordon, more than the sporadic playing time he's gotten at the club this year.
The club have playmakers Luke Keary, Mitchell Pearce and Jake Friend on the books long-term, while NSW State of Origin star James Tedesco is arriving over the summer.
"Connor's been here for quite a few years, winning an under-18s competition and then moving through the '20s into NRL," Robinson said.
"Sometimes clubs have to move players on, but sometimes they have to do the right thing and allow players to go and fill those positions at another club."
Robinson revealed talks over Watson's long-term move had been in the works for two months.
"I think we had that discussion a couple of months ago, we were honest with him and we allowed him to go out and search for that," he said.
"It doesn't always seem that way in clubs, but that's the way it's worked this time and worked out well for both I think. We wanted Connor here, but he would've been a utility again next year."
Source: AAP
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