Making his starting debut against the Sharks in Round 19, Roosters five-eighth Connor Watson says he's surprised with the impact he's having at the NRL level, albeit only 14-games into his time in the top grade.
A star in the Holden Cup in his own right, Watson has held his own since making the transition to first grade part-way through the season, to now partner established half Mitchell Pearce in the tri-colours' play-making role.
A noted runner of the football, Watson has caught the eyes of plenty of good judges, and said he's soaking up his time in the sun - though not with a sense of complacency.
“I thought I made have played a game here or there around the Origin period, but I’ve played a fair few,” Watson said.
“I’m loving every moment of it. It’s been unbelievable … It’s been something I’d always dreamed of from the moment I knew what football was.
“It’s something that I can’t really describe … the step up from (the Holden Cup has) been a lot faster, you definitely feel it the next day.”
Crossing for three tries this season - including a four-pointer against the Sharks earlier in the year - the utility-half paid credit to the work of his inside men, saying it is his halves partner and the side's forward stocks, which brings his own game to the fore.
“A big part of my game is the running game, but I’m only able to do that because Pearcey’s (Mitchell Pearce) giving me time and space," the 20-year-old said.
"That, but we can't do our job without the work of the bigger bodies in the middle."
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