'Putting yourself in the picture': Watson’s approach to being ready for anything

Westpac NSW Blues No.14 Connor Watson has certainly been in similar scenarios before at state and club level, however it’s his clear mindset that gives the utility an edge when it comes to preparing for the unknown.

That doesn’t always require making an immediate impact, but rather about making sure he’s in the frame if an opportunity presents itself.

“As my role, I’ve got to keep it simple I think,” Watson said.

“The big plays a lot of the time, especially in these big games, are those small moments, whether it’s just supporting on someone (or) someone gets the arm free.

“It’s just those little things, so It’s not so much dreaming about the big play.

“It’s just about putting yourself in the picture in all of those moments.”

And Watson doesn’t waver from that approach no matter when he might enter the field of play.

“Whether I get 20 minutes, whether I get 40 minutes, I just know that when I’m out there I’ve go to keep moving, keep following the ball,” he said.

“Sometimes these things happen, sometimes these things come off, which is a cool part of that (utility) role.”

The 29-year-old prepares for his fourth State of Origin appearance on Wednesday night, though this one holds a special place for Watson as his first home game for the Blues with close friends and family set to be in attendance.

Going into a decider, and with an unpredictable role, Watson’s well aware of the pressure it brings. But he also knows that he can use it to his advantage.

“That’s the reason I’m here, you know, when I do play in these positions, I know what my strengths are so It’s not trying to change that. It’s just doing what I do well in those roles and just competing,” Watson said.

“When you get called (from the bench) you get a nervous kick or a hit of adrenaline ... you know that when nerves come along it’s a good thing, it’s your body getting prepared to go to work.

“It’s what you want to do, you want to be in those pressure moments because it’s when the biggest things happen. What you always dreamt of as a kid is playing in State of Origin.

“There is pressure that comes with that, but It’s also opportunity and it’s exciting.”