It’s been a tough stint on the sidelines for Connor Watson.
Frustration set in after he was ruled out following an injury to his MCL in their match against Penrith.
“It’s been pretty frustrating. It takes a bit of a toll,” he said.
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The Newcastle Knights back has this week been named on the extended bench.
There’s still a question as to whether he’ll play against Manly.
He admits last week was just too soon.
“I’ve got to take control where I can and when I need to”
“I probably could have pushed it but it might have been just too early,” Watson said.
“I probably would have re-hurt it or not played to my ability which would have only hindered me anyways.
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“Just pushing it back that one extra week, making sure that it feels really good and I’m really stable on my knee.”
His absence has seen a shuffling of the team.
Housemate Kalyn Ponga has gone back to fullback, whilst Mason Lino has shifted to five-eighth.
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“I got injured and they obviously made the change,” added Watson.
“Kalyn is going to be good everywhere he plays and he’s pretty comfortable playing fullback.”
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The 22-year-old said he’s just mentally trying to get back to playing footy.
Which position he’ll play is not the bigger issue.
“The biggest thing for me is not being too worried about playing in a spot but just getting out there and playing footy,” he said.
“I haven’t done much of that in the last two years so I just need to get out there and play some consistent footy.
“I know I’m capable of, I just haven’t been able to do it.
“I started the year at one, get injured and can’t really demand much when you haven’t played much footy.”