Roosters blow as Watson ruled out of NRL grand final

The Sydney Roosters have suffered a significant blow ahead of the NRL grand final, with hooker Connor Watson ruled out of the match.

Watson, who suffered a head knock in last week's preliminary final victory over the Dolphins, was named in the number 14 shirt for the decider but needed clearance from the NRL to line up and play.

The hooker was ruled to have suffered Category 1 concussion symptoms, which results in an automatic 11-day stand down.

The Roosters confirmed to ABC Sport that clearance had not been given and he would sit out the contest.

That means Watson, who played for the Roosters' grand final opponents Newcastle for three seasons between 2018 and 2021, has played his final game for the Roosters.

The 30-year-old is set to line up for the Dragons next season.

He ends his second stint at the Roosters having played in 25 games this season at either lock or hooker, predominantly coming off the interchange bench.

Young hooker Benaiah Ioelu, who has played just five games in the NRL this season, will likely come on to the six-man bench in his place.