Ahead of a must win Game Two in the State of Origin, Blues coach Michael Maguire has rung the changes in an attempt to find the winning formula.
This includes the return of Latrell Mitchell for the suspended Joseph Sual'i'ii and Mitch Moses in for Nicho Hynes, but also the introduction of debutant utility Connor Watson into the side.
The 28-year-old was nowhere near the Origin radar at the start of the season, beginning the year in reserve grade after battling through injury problems, but he has hit form quickly and at the right time, and has now been entrusted by Maguire to be a spark off the bench in Melbourne.
The Sporting News looks back at his career and the injury issues Watson has overcome to reach the Origin arena, and the reasoning behind his selection.
MORE: Confirmed NSW and QLD team lists for State of Origin Game II
Why was Connor Watson selected for State of Origin Game Two?
Since his return to the Roosters side, Watson has played in a number of positions, including five-eighth, hooker, lock, and most recently in centre to replace the suspended Sual'i'ii.
NSW suffered immensely in Game One once Sual'i'ii was sent off, especially because they did not have a recognised centre or utility player to cover his position, and coach Michael Maguire made it very clear Watson's versatility was the key reason for his selection.
"He can play a lot of positions. He’s sort of like the perfect 14 really", Maguire told media on Monday.
"He reminds me a bit of Craig Wing. He can play pretty well anywhere on the field... He is fit and can slot into any position. He covers outside backs, he covers middles, halves and hookers."
Watson was picked as a utility ahead of Bulldogs star Matt Burton, who was the 18th man in Game One.
Who has Connor Watson played for?
Connor Watson grew up on the Central Coast, playing for various junior clubs in the region, before playing both rugby league and rugby union in Sydney during high school.
He then signed for the Sydney Roosters, initially as part of their NYC squad, before gaining a full-time contract in the 2016 season.
He played 38 times for the Tricolours over two seasons, before moving to the Hunter and the Newcastle Knights in 2018.
At Newcastle he played 66 times, including in three finals campaigns that ultimately ended in failure for the Novocastrians, but his performances earned him the attention of his boyhood club the Roosters, who duly signed him in the 2022 season.
Connor Watson injury issues
Injury issues have been an unfortunate theme in Watson's career to date.
At the Knights, he missed much of the 2020 season after rupturing his achilles during a regular season game, and worse was to come upon his return to the Roosters.
On the eve of the 2023 season, he tore his patellar tendon in training, an injury which saw him miss the entire season, and threw his career with the Roosters in doubt, as his contract was expiring.
He was eventually re-signed by the Roosters, but initially began his 2024 season in the NSW Cup side as he returned to full fitness.
NSW Squad for Game II
Watson is one of five changes made by Maguire in the must-win battle at the MCG, with Mitchell, Moses, Dylan Edwards and Cam Murray all coming into the side.
Whilst NSW are facing a must win game, their recent record in Melbourne is strong, having won their last two clashes at the MCG.
NSW confirmed squad for Game II
1. Dylan Edwards
2. Brian To’o
3. Stephen Crichton
4. Latrell Mitchell
5. Zac Lomax
6. Jarome Luai
7. Mitch Moses
8. Jake Trbojevic
9. Reece Robson
10. Payne Haas
11. Liam Martin
12. Angus Crichton
13. Cameron Murray
14. Connor Watson
15. Isaah Yeo
16. Haumole Olakau’atu
17. Spencer Leniu
18. Mitchell Barnett
19. Cameron McInnes
20. Luke Keary
