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Sydney Roosters player Watson has been ruled out under the NRL's concussion protocols after an exemption request was denied, dealing a blow to the club ahead of a major game. Watson will be automatically sidelined for at least 11 days but remains upbeat about the Roosters' chances.
It is bad news for the 30-year-old and a bitter blow for the club just days out from the biggest game of the year. The Roosters were desperately hoping the 30-year-old would be declared fit to play after two meetings with specialists on Thursday.
Watson met with the independent neurologist on Thursday morning and later that day had another appointment. However, on Friday morning they were told the bad news by NRL officials, unable to beat the league’s strict protocols and get the concussion ruling downgraded. The initial ruling by the independent doctor was revised to a Category 1 after it was originally treated as a less severe Category 2, which does not require the mandatory stand down period.
The NRL’s protocol requires any player diagnosed with a Category 1 concussion, like Watson was in the preliminary final win against the Dolphins, to be automatically sidelined for 11 days. It is devastation for Watson who has signed deals to join St George Illawarra in 2027 and the Papua New Guinea expansion side from 2028.
“I just want to thank the club and the Roosters medical staff for leaving no stone unturned,” Watson said. “I had a really good week of testing and test results but unfortunately I didn’t meet the criteria for an exemption. “I am obviously gutted but I have full belief in the boys and can’t wait to watch them get the job done on Sunday. ”
Sydney Roosters Watson NRL Concussion Protocol 11-Day Suspension NRL
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