Connor Watson and Billy Smith re-sign

[tloos1999]

I for one am not happy about these signings.

We let go around 8 players who have played so many games for thus this year and last year only to resign two players who are so injury probe that it is yet again going to do problems to our salary cap. Both players spend the majority of the seasons on the sidelines due to injury, Billy was good for us towards the end of this year only yet to disappoint to get injured again. I cannot remember the amount of games that Connor Watson has played since joining last year, yet I feel that Sandon Smith, Robert Toia, Allan Fitzgibbon and Suia Wong including Tyrell May could be at risk of moving on for these two players who yet will probably spend most of 2024 on the sidelines.

I also think that Michael Jennings (on a train and trial contract) will probably play more games in 2024 that these two put together.

Hope I could be wrong but these two-keep continuing to let this team down and I feel that it will be too late in these contract extensions that we have made a massive mistake and unfortunately, we will lose someone BIG because of this.

This is a wild take. Smith played most the season for us, and was arguably one of our best. Which shows the faith we’ve kept in him through injury was fair. You mention he was on the sidelines again but how could he control Hazelton coming in illegally and breaking his face. He won’t be on much money, he owes the club, and will again be fighting for a contract so it’s a win win. As for Jennings, I guarantee he won’t play one minute for the club in 2024 unless something goes drastically wrong. He’s 35 and there for emergency depth, but also as a favour to an old Rooster who did a bit for the club in those 2013-15 years. Regarding the players you feel will miss out as a result of these two re-signings Wong has extended to 2026 and May’s extension is also imminent so that will qualm your fears re keeping those players. Toia also did his ACL again so he won’t be seeing a field till mid-back end of next year.

[Intercept]

I for one am not happy about these signings.

We let go around 8 players who have played so many games for thus this year and last year only to resign two players who are so injury probe that it is yet again going to do problems to our salary cap. Both players spend the majority of the seasons on the sidelines due to injury, Billy was good for us towards the end of this year only yet to disappoint to get injured again. I cannot remember the amount of games that Connor Watson has played since joining last year, yet I feel that Sandon Smith, Robert Toia, Allan Fitzgibbon and Suia Wong including Tyrell May could be at risk of moving on for these two players who yet will probably spend most of 2024 on the sidelines.

I also think that Michael Jennings (on a train and trial contract) will probably play more games in 2024 that these two put together.

Hope I could be wrong but these two-keep continuing to let this team down and I feel that it will be too late in these contract extensions that we have made a massive mistake and unfortunately, we will lose someone BIG because of this.

Nathan Aboud I understand your concern but just pointing out that Robert Toia also seems to have had a bad run with injuries. So, if we are to hold that against players when considering their re-signing, he too would be gone. A player's injury history probably is considered by the club and I suspect that's why Billy Smith has been offered only a one-year deal. Yet, there are more criteria that will be taken into account as Robbo tries to assemble a side that can win games of football and ultimately, win another premiership. Talent, fit and versatility come to mind. Like you, I hope you're wrong!

[Inflictor]

Our depth is looking good for next season.
Look at our backline in the last game against the Storm.
Unfortunately for the players, some who would find a spot in many teams top 17s, will be playing NSW Cup for much of the season (I hope so anyway).

[The Brain]

Did we budget for bandages and crutches?

[MKCS]

I for one am not happy about these signings.

We let go around 8 players who have played so many games for thus this year and last year only to resign two players who are so injury probe that it is yet again going to do problems to our salary cap. Both players spend the majority of the seasons on the sidelines due to injury, Billy was good for us towards the end of this year only yet to disappoint to get injured again. I cannot remember the amount of games that Connor Watson has played since joining last year, yet I feel that Sandon Smith, Robert Toia, Allan Fitzgibbon and Suia Wong including Tyrell May could be at risk of moving on for these two players who yet will probably spend most of 2024 on the sidelines.

I also think that Michael Jennings (on a train and trial contract) will probably play more games in 2024 that these two put together.

Hope I could be wrong but these two-keep continuing to let this team down and I feel that it will be too late in these contract extensions that we have made a massive mistake and unfortunately, we will lose someone BIG because of this.

Connor pretty much played all of last year from memory but this year got injured in the pre season I believe.

According to his match stats in his 8 year career he's had 2 season ending injuries so for 6/8 seasons he's remained injury free (Major injury anyway). Not sure what role Watson will play but hasn't he played fullback, centre, 5/8, halfback, hooker and lock in first grade? Probably good to have a true utility that can cover backline, halves and forwards on standby especially given our injury problems.

[King Salvo]

At least we are hearing about signings and re-signing plus the make up of the squad for 2024.

I predict they, and maybe even the Chookpen, will miss the Mercurial Hutchinator in 2024.

The Hutchinator was a known winner, with a 62% winning percentage when he played for the Roosters.

[On the Nose]

I'm not sure that Hutch would like the term mercurial attached to him, quite the opposite. Nothing really unpredictable about him, other than the two tires he scored last year against - I cannot recall, some team. He was a good steady half let down by playing out of position and not getting long game time in the halves. Hope JAC can keep up with him if he plays centre, hopefully against us. I love the signings of Billy and Connor. Billy was coming into his own last year and played alot of the semi with a broken jaw, showed great courage and stood up to take what was the defining game winning goal. Connor Watson is a real team guy. We have to sign May long term and maybe his brother as a potential 5/8. Our first 5 games next year are killers. If we win 2 I'd be happy.

[Bates]

Sandon will partner Walker in the halves when Keary retires. Watson on a 2 year deal is a great move by the club.

[Chook2]

Don’t mind these two guys who will be keen to re pay the faith
theu obviously rate Conner Watson as the 14 still for a 2 year signing maybe it was slightly less then what he was before!
billy repaying the faith and could score a big upgrade for 2025 - h have it all in attack and d last year and was continually one of our best players each week
Nat butch, Whyte and Wong all re signed not long ago and may will be close so happy days with our recruiting so far
4 spots left so could jag another one or two good ones

[Bondicigar]

Billy Smith's upside potential is too good to not keep persisting with him.
Connor Watson on the other hand will always look good in a Roosters team that is in form but his lack of any real impact is clear to see when the chooks are struggling. Depth player at best

[kakaruk]

Both are very good players good move by the club

[Roosterfarian]

Sandon will partner Walker in the halves when Keary retires. Watson on a 2 year deal is a great move by the club.

Based on what evidence? One good season with the Knoghts a few years ago?

[GC6]

I don’t know why people aren’t happy about this. We need depth, it has been our real killer over the last couple of seasons.

Billy will be fighting for a backline position, if he misses out he will be the first guy in.
connor can play lock, hooker and even as a super sub front rower, which really worked for us in our run to the finals in 2022.

We will have injuries, we are the Roosters.

The only real position we don’t have solid cover in is in the halves. I like Sandon but I just think he suits hooker so much more.

[Dr. Voodoo Man]

At least we are hearing about signings and re-signing plus the make up of the squad for 2024.

I predict they, and maybe even the Chookpen, will miss the Mercurial Hutchinator in 2024.

The Hutchinator was a known winner, with a 62% winning percentage when he played for the Roosters.

Nobody would miss you Fat Guts.

[Steggles]

I don’t know why people aren’t happy about this. We need depth, it has been our real killer over the last couple of seasons.

Billy will be fighting for a backline position, if he misses out he will be the first guy in.
connor can play lock, hooker and even as a super sub front rower, which really worked for us in our run to the finals in 2022.

We will have injuries, we are the Roosters.

The only real position we don’t have solid cover in is in the halves. I like Sandon but I just think he suits hooker so much more.

I thought Sandon played really well when he was thrown into the deep end in the halves when Robbo’s failed experiment finally ended. I think he could be our long term 7 with Walker at 6, which will allow Walker to play his more unstructured, flamboyant game.