Roosters utility Connor Watson will miss the NRL grand final against Newcastle after being ruled out under the league's 11-day concussion protocols, the first player to miss a decider under the rule. Watson, who was playing his final game for the Roosters before joining the Dragons next season, suffered a concussion in the preliminary final against the Dolphins. Initially showing category-two symptoms, he was upgraded to category one, triggering the mandatory 11-day stand-down period.
The club had the option to seek a reclassification or exemption based on independent medical advice but chose not to proceed.
Coach Trent Robinson said Watson was experiencing "absolute devastation" but had taken the news stoically. Robinson said he supported the protocols despite the personal cost to Watson.
"I think these are unfortunate things that happen, but we have protocols for a reason," Robinson said.
The situation has renewed debate about whether the NRL should schedule a week off before the grand final to avoid similar outcomes. Robinson said he was not in favour of such a change.
"I'm more for the week off before the finals than I am before the grand final," he said. "I feel like momentum is built throughout the finals series, and the attrition part of it is a part of our game."
Robinson added that Watson had accepted the decision, but the emotional toll was clear as the player's dream farewell ended prematurely.