Brief
Roosters coach defends concussion rules as Connor Watson misses grand final
Coach Trent Robinson said the protocols are necessary even as utility Connor Watson is ruled out of the NRL grand final.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Roosters head coach Trent Robinson said there is no need to alter the NRL’s concussion protocol after utility Connor Watson was ruled out of Sunday’s grand final against Newcastle, becoming the first player to miss a decider under the 11‑day rule. Watson suffered a concussion in the preliminary‑final win over the Dolphins and was initially classified with category‑two symptoms before being upgraded to category‑one, triggering the mandatory 11‑day stand‑down that prevented him from playing or training. Robinson acknowledged the "absolute devastation" for Watson, who was set to bid farewell to the Roosters before joining the Dragons next season, but insisted the rules exist for a reason and that a week‑off before the grand final would disrupt the momentum built through the finals series. He added that Watson took the news "stoically" and spoke to the group about the importance of the team, praising Watson’s character. While the club could have sought a re‑classification or exemption based on independent medical advice, it chose not to, sparking debate about whether the league should schedule a break before the final to avoid similar situations. Robinson concluded that attrition is part of the game and that the protocols protect player health, even when they cause personal disappointment.
Key facts
- Connor Watson was ruled out of the NRL grand final after a concussion in the preliminary final. (smh.com.au)
- The NRL concussion protocol requires an 11‑day stand‑down for category‑one symptoms. (smh.com.au)
- Roosters coach Trent Robinson said the protocols are necessary and opposed a week‑off before the grand final. (smh.com.au)
- The club opted not to seek a re‑classification or exemption for Watson. (smh.com.au)
- Watson was set to join the Dragons after the season. (smh.com.au)
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “Connor Watson concussion: Trent Robinson backs NRL protocols despite star utility missing grand final”
