Connor Watson wants Mitchell Pearce to follow him out the door of Bondi and to link up at the Newcastle Knights.

The Dubbo-born utility could lose his preferred position in the starting line-up, however, he would love to see a formidable combination between Pearce and the two battling halfbacks, Hodkinson and Lamb.

He admitted his 'shock' after his former club announced the signing of Cooper Cronk on a two-year deal after Keary and Pearce had a successful season for the tri-colours.

Despite his services for Roosters this year, even Watson was surprised that Roosters could fit Cronk under their much-criticised salary cap.

"I am surprised that all happened," Watson, told NRL.com.

โ€œI don't know how they (Roosters) have got that much money.โ€

When asked about Pearce filling in on the bench for two seasons, Watson believes that he can't see it happening.

"I couldn't see a player of his calibre doing that, I can't believe we are all talking about it happening to a player like that at all," Watson said.

ย "If he's going to stay I don't know where they'll play him but that could be his role. I couldn't see him doing that but weโ€™ll have to see what happens."
Watson would love to have Pearce head up north.

"To have a player like Pearce come up here would be unreal," Watson said.

"He's a world-class player, played 15 Origins, won a comp and a player like that is only going to add to a team."

Watson wants to play five-eighth next year but knows that if he trains hard, he might get a chance to play in his much-preferred role.

"There's no guarantees in rugby league but if I train and work hard I can make that position my own," Watson said.

"I think I'm a ball-runner first, I always have been and that's my biggest strength.

"I'll definitely be doing a lot of that. I grew up playing fullback but once I turned up at the Roosters they put me in the halves.

"There are a lot of things I have had to work on like my passing and kicking game. There's still a lot of things to do in that department too."

A Knight's fan growing up, Watson immediately felt the connection when offered the contract, idolising their players.

"The move has been easier for me knowing most of the boys already. I grew up idolising Joey (Andrew Johns), Kurt Gidley and Danny Buderus too so itโ€™s cool to be up here."

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