Knights’ Levi injury opens door for Watson

Newcastle coach Nathan Brown is confident Connor Watson would do a solid job at hooker following an ankle injury to Danny Levi.

Watson played nearly 70 minutes at dummy-half after Levi’s ankle became caught beneath him early in Friday’s huge win over the Sydney Roosters.

The New Zealand international will likely go for scans to determine the damage, however Brown is positive of receiving good news.

“Danny’s got an ankle problem but I don’t think at this stage it’s going to be major. Whether he’s out short-term or not I’m not sure,” Brown said.

“But he’s certainly not a disaster anyway.”

Watson, who was coming off the bench for the second straight week, carried the ball for 130 metres, broke five tackles and added a try for good measure.

With Slade Griffin also still out with an ACL injury, Watson may be in the No.9 jumper when the Knights return from their bye against South Sydney.

“We’d definitely have a look at it,” Brown said.

“It’s not his first time there and he’s played big minutes and he’s a very fit kid. Obviously he’s not the biggest, but his fitness is great. And he’s tough.”

The win not only made it five on the trot for the hottest team in the league, but lifted them to within just two points of the top four.

It is the highest the club has been this deep into the season since 2013.

“It’s big if we can maintain some form and consistency. We go Souths and Melbourne our next two games, so they’ll be great tests,” Brown said.

“From where the club’s been and what we’re coming through, it was only a couple of years ago the Roosters really give us some big scores against us.

“So to be able to get a win against those guys is pleasing for the club.”

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