SYDNEY Roosters utility Connor Watson has been named on the interchange for Sunday’s NRL grand final against the Newcastle, despite failing a Category 1 head injury assessment in last Friday’s preliminary final win over the Dolphins.
Watson is due to meet an independent neurologist on Thursday as the club seeks medical clearance for him to take his place at Accor Stadium.
The grand final falls inside the NRL’s mandatory 11-day stand-down period for a Category 1 concussion, meaning clearance is required if he is to play.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson selected an otherwise unchanged side from the one that defeated the Dolphins, with captain James Tedesco at fullback, Daly Cherry-Evans and Sam Walker in the halves and Victor Radley at lock.
If Watson is ruled out, Benaiah Ioelu is expected to move onto the interchange from the extended squad that also includes Tommy Talau and Egan Butcher.
Newcastle coach Justin Holbrook initially named Phoenix Crossland at hooker, but the New Zealand international has been suspended for four matches after pleading guilty to a dangerous contact charge for his hip-drop tackle on Nathan Cleary.
Harrison Graham is set to start at No. 9 in Crossland’s place, with the remainder of the Knights’ side close to unchanged from their preliminary final victory over Penrith.
Holbrook confirmed the team would be close to unchanged from the one which defeated the Panthers 22-14, while Diesel Hagan has been added to the reserves.
Crossland described the aftermath of the tackle as “the worst couple of days of my life” and apologised to “everyone involved in the game” after the judiciary hearing.
Kick-off is at 7:30pm on Sunday, with the Roosters aiming for a 16th premiership and the Knights chasing their first title since 2001.
