The new and official podcast of the nib Newcastle Knights, KNIGHTS // HQ, has dropped.
Fan favourite Connor Watson was the inaugural guest host for the first episode and provided an insight into his transition into a new role within the team.
The 24-year-old has played in several positions since joining Newcastle in 2018 and has trained hard over the off-season to nail down a spot at lock-forward.
Plus after an injury-riddled 2020, combined with the COVID-19 shutdown, Watson spoke about his desire to return to the playing field on a consistent basis.
“I’m honestly just so excited to be playing footy again,” Watson told KNIGHTS // HQ podcast.
“I definitely knocked out some cobwebs (on the first trial against Melbourne in Albury).
“I’ve had to be put on a few kilograms but I felt really fit and strong and better in contact.”
Big Moments in High Vis
Watson played a starring role in the red and blue's opening round victory against the Bulldogs with a try-assist and spectacular try-saver in the dying stages.
The 2020 Ken Stephens medallist has been named at 13 for the side's away match against the Warriors this Friday.
Watson added an estimated four kilograms over the off-season in preparation for his new position.
Connor has gone all-in on his transition to the middle of the park adhering to a determined training regime and increasing and managing his food intake.
“You need to be smart in how you do it,” Watson said.
“You don’t want to put on the wrong type of weight which is easy to do with junk food.
“I spoke to a couple of people about the amount of calories I should be consuming. I just had to add another meal in but not through any junk food and (continue) training hard. I lifted more weight aswell, that always helps.
“I think the way the game is going, (the new position) it’s really going to suit my playing style. It’s getting faster and little blokes are coming more into play."
Watson was in fine form on the podcast and is also a podcaster and content creator himself.
Connor shared the origin story of 257. Collective and talked about receiving the Ken Stephens Medal and the community work that inspires him.
You can listen to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Follow the link here to listen to episode one and subscribe and stay tuned for more episodes.
Each fortnight Triple M legend Frank Barrett will be joined by a host of high-profile Knights and special guests for an in-depth, never-before-seen perspective on the Knights family.
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