Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson says Auckland Nines MVP Connor Watson has already been guaranteed a spot in his top 17 but it won’t be in the halves.

Watson was outstanding for the Roosters on their way to the Nines crown but Robinson hinted that new recruit Luke Keary had the inside running on the five-eigth role alongside Mitchell Pearce.

“From the first game yesterday, to the last game (on Sunday), the kid grew within that time. And that’s what I’m asking for Connor. He’s a really important player in our team,” Robinson said.

“But we went out and brought Luke Keary for a reason. He’s won an NRL (grand) final. He’s a very good player and he’s shown that.

“Connor’s got a big part to play in our team. He’s going to play a lot of footy and he knows that, we’ve already talked about that.”

Watson said his utility value helped him throughout the weekend.

“Obviously I can cover a range of positions. Speed’s one of my assets and there’s a lot more space in the nines to use that,” he said.

“I definitely thought this game’s suited to the way I play. It was awesome today. Last year coming into first grade, we had some pretty disappointing results.

“But to be able to go out there and win six out of the seven games and then come away with the trophy, it’s something pretty awesome.

“I didn’t really know what to expect coming into the Nines this week, but we just got around each other and we did it in the end.”