A year ago, Sydney Roosters star Connor Watson was wheelchair-bound, dealing with an injury that put his rugby league career in doubt.
On Wednesday night, he will make his State of Origin debut for NSW at the MCG, marking the culmination of an incredible return from his shocking health battle.
Watson’s journey to this point has been full of challenges. He missed the entire 2023 season due to a serious knee injury that left him needing help from his mother Jodie and his girlfriend Kiana.
“I had to ask Mum to help me get out of bed,” Watson said, reflecting while in the New South Wales camp this week ahead of the must-win clash against Queensland.
His problems began in the summer of 2023 when he suffered a ruptured patellar tendon during preseason training.
The severity of the injury and the fact his contract with the Roosters was ending cast a shadow over his NRL future.
“In the scheme of things, you can miss a year of football, but worse things are happening in the world,” Watson said.
Connor Watson missed 18 months of first grade football, was wheelchair-bound and returned to reserve grade just a few months ago, but earned a State of Origin call-up for NSW.
Watson had to return to live with his mother Jodie (pictured) in Terrigal because he couldn’t climb the stairs alone.
Watson also gave credit to his girlfriend Kiana Flanet, who was ‘a rock’ during his recovery.
The situation got so bad that Watson was forced to return to his mother’s house in Terrigal because he couldn’t climb the stairs to his apartment.
“I had to go up to mom’s house 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. “To me they were as solid as a rock,” she said.
Despite the challenges, Watson remained determined.
“When I got the call and spoke to mum and a few different family and friends, some of them said, ‘Imagine if last year you told yourself you were going to play State of Origin’. It’s pretty wild,” Watson said.
He began his rehab slowly, starting with walking in a rehab pool and eventually progressing to running in January.
In November, the Roosters re-signed Watson for another two seasons. He started the season in reserve grade, but by March he was back with the Chooks, scoring a brace in a win over South Sydney after 558 days out of first grade.
Watson’s journey has been an inspiration to his teammates, including Roosters star Angus Crichton, who has faced his own adversity and will join Watson on the field for State of Origin II.
“He has a very clear idea of who he is, he’s a well-rounded guy who works very hard and has never lost sight of his goals,” Crichton said.
Watson has been compared to NSW utility greats Craig Wing and Kurt Gidley ahead of his debut on Wednesday night.
Coach Michael Maguire values Watson’s versatility, a quality that has earned him comparisons with former utility player Craig Wing.
“He’s pretty handsome, I don’t know if I can compete with him on that,” Watson joked about Wing.
He also mentioned his admiration for Kurt Gidley.
Watson’s ability to play multiple positions, from hooker to lock and even at halves, makes him an asset for New South Wales.
“I feel comfortable (at center),” Watson said, when presented with a scenario in which he could be moved to that position if an outside back failed.
Watson quickly impressed after his long layoff to regain his place at the Sydney Roosters.
Watson pictured with his mother Jodie (left), younger brother Fletcher and father Mark.
He has learned to accept the role of utility, which he initially considered less desirable.
“When I was younger I wanted to start, but as time goes on you realize that being able to fill all these positions is actually a strength, it’s fun, it’s different all the time,” he shared.
While his exact role in the game remains uncertain, Watson is ready for anything. “You have your role, which for me at the Roosters is to play nine and 13 most weeks, but then you have to be prepared for whatever comes,” he said.
Even if Watson sees limited minutes in the game, the importance of his trip to the State of Origin is not lost on him.
‘I probably won’t understand until I play. Once I play, I’ll sit back and reflect and take it in a little bit,” Watson said. “It’s cool to be a part of it.”
‘I’m definitely grateful for the whole journey, the ups and downs.
“Even through all those difficult times, I’ve been lucky to have great friends and family around me.”