Newcastle's bid to lure Connor Watson to the club next season hinges on whether the Sydney Roosters will release him, according to Knights coach Nathan Brown.
Knights fans got a good look at their possible recruit in Friday's 28-4 defeat to the Roosters in Sydney, when he capped off a solid performance with the game-sealing try.
"He certainly caused us plenty of problems. He was very lively," Brown said of Watson.
"As we've said all along, he's certainly a player that we're interested in. With the blessing of the Roosters, us and (Wests Tigers) have both spoken to him.
"But whether the Roosters decide to let Connor go or not, and then whether he decides to come to us is one for the Roosters, and two, for Connor."
Watson's playing time has been limited this year due to the club's settled spine of Michael Gordon, Luke Keary, Mitchell Pearce and Jake Friend.
The arrival of James Tedesco over the summer further muddies his chances in 2018.
Watson was reluctant to discuss his future after the match, but admitted negotiations were still underway to sort out whether he will remain with the Tricolours next year.
"Nothing's been confirmed or set in stone at the moment," he said.
"I'm really enjoying playing for the Roosters this year and that's where my focus is at the moment. We're in a great spot and obviously very different to where we were last year."
One day after Roosters coach Trent Robinson stated fullback was Watson's best spot - where he is currently deputising for the injured Michael Gordon - Watson said he liked playing No.6.
Brown this week revealed plans to make Watson the club's long-term five-eighth.
"(Fullback) or five-eighth. They're very similar in the game nowadays," Watson said.
"The only difference is fullback you don't have to game-manage as much as you do five-eighth, and just the defence. They're both similar, and I enjoy both roles.
"I just like running the footy and they both allow me to do that."
