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.

“I don't know how they (Roosters) have got that much money.”

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.

 "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 we’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 it’s cool to be up here."

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