The 'boring' approach Watson is taking to reach premiership goal

Having made the finals for the last nine seasons in a row, the Sydney Roosters have been one of the bearers of consistency within the NRL.

But Connor Watson has set his goal on ensuring that the Tricolours can win it all in 2026 with their star-studded roster.

With the likes of James Tedesco, Daniela Tupou, Robert Toia, Lindsay Collins and new recruit Reece Robson, amongst other Origin representatives, which includes Watson, the Roosters are well and truly in premiership contention.

But 2026 is also shaping up to be the last year of some of their stars with the club.  

At the end of the year, both Mark Nawaqanitawase and Angus Crichton are crossing codes to join Rugby Union in a push to play for the Wallabies for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Speaking about how he’s handling the expectations surrounding the side, the 29-year-old utility acknowledged them and believes that he and his teammates are capable of reaching them through using adages as old as time.

“You hear it (the expectation) for sure,” Watson noted on SEN’s Vossy's Verdict.

“But I think we own our goals and what we’re striving for is that we want to win the comp. That’s our end goal.

“But as boring as what I'm going to say, you’ve just got to stay present and take it week by week.”

Whilst bringing in Robson to the No. 9 role displaces Watson in the line-up, their big gain for 2026 has been in bringing former Manly halfback Daly Cherry-Evans.

The 36-year-old has signed a one-year deal with the option to play in 2027, which sees him partner Sam Walker in the halves.

Having worked with him during the pre-season as well as on the club’s trip on the Kokoda Track, Watson has been seriously impressed by the 352-game player’s experience around the field.

“We had two weeks before we went over to Kokoda together, and then we’ve had a month since we got back from Christmas,” he explained.

“He’s great. He’s so composed; his talk is so calm all the time. Nothing seems to really faze him too much.

“I’m excited (to play with him). I just like the temperament he brings to us.

“Sammy (Walker) has been great for us for a very long time, but (he) doesn’t have the temperament yet.

“The way Sammy plays (he plays) eyes up, very instinctual. I don’t think you can be all of that way like Sammy and be super calm all the time, and that’s probably something Sammy is working on.

“And bringing in Daly is going to help him so much.”

But it is not just his temperament that has left the New South Welshman dazzled.

“And then just his kicking game,” Watson continued.

“We were blessed with Hugo (Savala) came in and did such a good job with that massive left footer (of his). But then Daly has just come in and just does it.

“He’s so accurate with it as well. He just puts it pretty much wherever he wants, and it's been great for us.”

The Roosters will begin their season away from home when they travel to New Zealand to play the Warriors at Go Media Stadium on March 6.