PNG CHIEFS LAND ROOSTERS VERSITILE FORWARD WATSON

BY BENJAMIN KOITAKA

PNG Chief have confirmed the signing of Sydney Roosters versality Connor Watson on a two-year deal, starting from the inaugural season in 2028 and ends on the 2029 premiership season.

The five-time New South Welshman will have a stop-over at the St. George Illawarra Dragons in 2027 season, before heading to Port Moresby to fulfil and prepare for the upcoming season.

Watson also toured the Chiefs facilities, a fortnight ago and did watch a Queensland Hostplus Cup game at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby with the PNG’s Prime Minister James Marape before putting pen to paper.

A Roosters statement confirmed that Watson will remain with the club for the remainder of the 2026 season and will continue to play an important role within the club’s NRL squad after being granted an early release from the final year of his contract.

Chief General Manager Football Michael Chammas unveiled the signing of the player #003 today (Tuesday, 2nd of June), adding that Watson’s signing marking another major step forward as the club continues building its inaugural roster and momentum towards 2028.

Chammas said Watson’s character and professionalism stood out throughout the recruitment process.
“Connor has made it clear from the outset that he wanted to be part of the PNG Chiefs and this incredible journey we are building,” Chammas said.

“He and his partner Kiana recently spent time in Port Moresby and genuinely fell in love with the country, the people and the opportunity to be part of something much bigger than football.

“Connor is the type of player every club wants. He is selfless, tough, professional and incredibly respected across the game. His versatility and experience will be invaluable for us as we continue building our squad towards 2028.

“Every signing matter for a new club, but there is something exciting about seeing the roster continue to build piece by piece. Connor becoming Signing 003 is another important moment in the journey of the PNG Chiefs.

“We also want to thank the Sydney Roosters for their professionalism, patience and understanding throughout this process.
Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson said Watson represented exactly the type of person and player the club wanted helping shape the future of the organisation.

“What impressed us most, beyond Connor’s football ability, was his sense of purpose and the way he treats people.
“He leads with kindness, he listens, and he brings a calm strength into every environment he enters. We wanted people who would genuinely feel at home in Papua New Guinea, and people Papua New Guinea would feel proud to welcome.
“Connor immediately connected with the country and our vision for what this club can become. We know he will have a significant impact both on and off the field as we build towards 2028.

“You can feel the excitement continuing to build around the club now. With every signing, the vision becomes more real for our fans, our partners and for Papua New Guinea,” McPherson added.

McPherson added that the former Roosters and Newcastle Knights player is one of the NRL’s most respected and versatile players, and set to arrive at the Chiefs with extensive top-level experience across multiple positions, including hooker, lock and the halves.

As Signing 003, Watson joins the growing list of elite players committing to the Chiefs project, reinforcing the club’s vision of building a world-class organisation grounded in culture, professionalism and long-term success.