Sydney Roosters utility player Connor Watson expressed regret over a pass that led to a heavy tackle on teammate Toby Rodwell during last Friday night’s match against South Sydney. Rodwell, a rookie halfback, was hit hard by Rabbitohs star Latrell Mitchell immediately after catching Watson’s pass, an incident that sparked widespread attention due to the forceful nature of the tackle and Mitchell’s subsequent behavior on the field.

Watson described his immediate concern for Rodwell’s wellbeing, saying he was eager for the game to end so he could check on his teammate. “I felt that bad and I told him that straight away,” Watson said. He explained that the moment replayed in his mind and that he has offered Rodwell an all-you-can-eat lunch during the off-season as a gesture of apology. "Any restaurant in Sydney you want to go to, my shout," Watson added.

The incident triggered a broader discussion when Roosters fullback James Tedesco criticized Mitchell for standing over Rodwell after the tackle. Tedesco remarked he was uncomfortable with the display, noting Rodwell’s youth and inexperience, having played only two first-grade games. Mitchell responded by challenging Tedesco’s comments and dismissed them as an attempt to provoke him. He referenced previous encounters between Tedesco and other players as context for the exchange.

Watson acknowledged Mitchell’s post-tackle actions were a heat-of-the-moment reaction. “Once Latrell realised he was standing over Toby, he didn’t carry on with it,” Watson said, emphasizing that the Roosters players rallied around Rodwell immediately after the play. He also highlighted the support Tedesco provides to the team’s young halfback.

This season marks the nearing end of Watson’s second stint with the Roosters before planned moves to St George Illawarra and later Papua New Guinea in 2028. Reflecting on his career trajectory, Watson described it as a “weird” period, noting the blend of time dragging and flying by.

Despite boasting a strong lineup, the Roosters enter their upcoming Sunday clash against the Penrith Panthers at CommBank Stadium as underdogs. Odds set by TAB favor Penrith at $1.34, while the Roosters stand at $3.30. Watson addressed the external speculation, asserting the team’s focus remains on internal dynamics. “We won’t care what people say, to be honest,” he said. “We care about what is happening inside our four walls. That’s the most important thing.” He added that external commentary serves to generate interest and fan engagement but is not something the team will let distract them. The Roosters look forward to what lies ahead as the season progresses.