Concussion rules force Watson to miss grand final debut
Connor Watson missed the grand final after failing NRL concussion protocols.
Watson suffered a head knock during Sydney's preliminary final win over the Dolphins. NRL guidelines require 11 days before players can return to play.
Despite responding well to treatment, specialists pulled him from the squad on Friday. The 30-year-old utility, who will join St George Illawarra, would have played his final game for the Roosters in the grand final.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson said he was not in favour of a two-week break before the grand final. Robinson argued that momentum builds through the finals series and injury is part of the game.
Hooker Benaiah Ioelu replaced Watson in the squad. Watson becomes the first player to miss a grand final under the 2023 concussion rules.
- 30 years old
- Watson's age
- 11 days
- Minimum return period
- Eight matches
- Suspension period length
- 2023 season
- Protocol introduced
Why it mattersWatson's case is the first test of the NRL's 2023 concussion protocols in a premiership decider, setting a precedent for player safety versus grand final availability.
AustraliaThe NRL's concussion rules now protect players even in the sport's biggest match, affecting how clubs manage injuries in finals.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 56 min ago
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