Connor Watson has Trent Robinson’s premiership ring cut off
The Roosters coach gave Watson his ring after concussion ruled the departing player out of the grand final against Newcastle.
Connor Watson needed a jeweller to cut through the premiership ring given to him by Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson after it became stuck on his finger.
Ring maker Affinity Diamonds shared footage of the removal. Watson had been photographed wearing the ring during the Roosters’ celebrations after their grand final victory over Newcastle, but how long it remained on his finger was unclear.
Robinson gave Watson his own ring, bearing the inscription “coach”, after the 30-year-old missed the decider because of concussion. Watson suffered the head knock during the preliminary final, placing him within the NRL’s 11-day standdown period. The league rejected the Roosters’ request for clearance.
Replacement hooker Beniah Ioelu also offered Watson his ring, but Watson turned it down because he already had Robinson’s. Ioelu was selected in the grand final squad but did not take the field.
Watson said he was disappointed to miss his first opportunity to play in a grand final, but accepted the decision and concentrated on helping Ioelu prepare. He credited Robinson, who gave him his NRL debut in 2016, with shaping his career.
Watson has made 127 appearances over two spells with the Roosters. He will move to St George Illawarra next season before joining the PNG Chiefs.
