Newcastle’s rebuild is starting to gather pace after confirming the signing of Sydney Roosters utility Connor Watson on a three-year NRL deal beginning in 2018.

The 21-year-old Watson is expected to play five-eighth next season where he’ll link with fellow recruits Kalyn Ponga, Aidan Guerra and Shaun Kenny-Dowall, who had already joined the club.

“Connor is an exciting young talent who has plenty of great football ahead of him,” CEO Matt Gidley said on Monday.