NRL

Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson has made his final media appearance ahead of the 2026 NRL Grand Final against the Newcastle Knights.

Read more NRL

Speaking as his side held its captain’s run at Accor Stadium, the four-time premiership winning coach acknowledged the ‘devastating’ HIA setback for departing veteran Connor Watson. 

But Robinson staunchly refused to criticise the NRL processes that will see Watson confined to the role of spectator for the decider that would have also been his final game for the club.

“We all believe in the 11-day stand down  policy… we thought there were grounds there (for Watson to be cleared to play), but we respect the decision. Ultimately it came down to protocols and we stand by that,” he said.

MORE: Phil Gould makes brutal NRL Grand Final prediction

‘Absolute devastation’

Robinson described Watson’s response to the news that he wouldn’t be playing in Sunday as ‘stoic’. 

“Connor is a good man, a strong man and he had to control all that (emotion)… the absolute devastation that it is for him and all the work that’s gone into his football career… it’s quite tough,” Robinson said.

“He spoke to the group quite clearly, and then the player that took his spot in the 19, Benaiah Ioelu, spoke about the love for Connor and what it means for his role coming into the side… that’s what teams are about.”

Read more San Antonio Spurs

Asked if the NRL should copy the NFL model by introducing a week off before the Grand Final to avoid HIA cases like Watson’s, Robinson disagreed.

“I think these are unfortunate things that happen, but we have protocols for reasons,” he said.

“I’m more for a week off before the finals than am I am before the Grand Final, I feel that momentum is built throughout the finals series and the attraction part of it is part of our game.”

With Watson watching from the sidelines, the Roosters will enter Sunday night’s match as the dominant favourites to win their first NRL premiership since 2019. 

Meanwhile the Knights will seek to cap a remarkable rise from last place in 2025 to first in the space of 12 months, something that’s only ever been achieved once before in the history of the NRL or NSWRL.

Read more Witchcraft Riches Slot Review

Sydney Roosters