Roosters set to seek exemption from NRL rule after 192
The Sydney Roosters are considering an appeal to the NRL to grant an exemption for player Connor Watson to participate in the upcoming grand final. Watson was ruled out for 11 days after being upgraded to a Category 1 concussion during a preliminary final match.
Why it matters
The case highlights the tension between strict player safety protocols and the competitive desire of teams to field their best players in high-stakes championship games.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson has hinted his team will look to seek an exemption from the NRL to allow Connor Watson to play in next weekend's grand final. Watson was concussed just one minute after coming onto the field in the Roosters' 36-20 victory over the Dolphins in the prelim final on Friday night.
Originally ruled a Category 2, the independent doctor later upgraded it to a Cat 1 and Watson was ruled out for the rest of the game. Under the NRL's strict rules around concussion , a player deemed to have suffered a Category 1 is automatically stood down for 11 days.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson (L) hinted at challenging the Connor Watson (R) ruling. Image: NRL/Channel 9
With the grand final just nine days after the prelim, it's heartbreak for Watson. But there's a glimmer of hope for the 192-game star.
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