Luke Watson hits out at ‘cheap’ media
FIERY EP Kings skipper Luke Watson has hit out at what he called cheap journalism ahead of his team’s match against a Sharks XV at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Friday.
Watson, who has been named to lead the team in their final Vodacom Cup match, was reacting to a question on whether harsh comments on social media got to him.
“At times it can be harsh. I think also when people report using social media I find that cheap journalism. But that is just me,” Watson said.
“I have quite high standards for my professional work ethic. So for me it does not get to me. No. We went to Citrusdal this week and certain sectors of South Africa are big fans . . . Two thousand people enjoyed seeing the Kings rock up there because of what we stand for.
“So I think it is quite closedminded, and dare I say ignorant, when people would presume that a few voices on Facebook are the cry of a larger nation.”
Watson left the field with concussion at Loftus Versfeld in August last season and missed the last seven games of the Currie Cup Premier Division. This year his return has been carefully managed by the Kings medical staff and Watson will lead the team against the Sharks on Friday after starting from the bench in the previous two matches.
Asked if he was happy with the way he was reintroduced, Watson said: “I think you have to take into consideration the team itself.
“You know when Luke Watson does not play people ask him to retire. When he does play they must hurry up and get him playing. So I tend to be, at times, you know, the persona or the brand that is created on behalf of me by the media
“It tends to be quite a divisive one, or polarising one, if that be a better word. So I think no matter how I was reintroduced, no matter what happened, there was going to be some controversy around it.
“So sometimes I just sit back and go OK, well let’s enjoy the story that people are telling about my life. I am sitting here with a seasoned Springbok [CJ van der Linde], one of the guys I regard highest in this country when it comes to character, and coach [Mzwandile Stick] who has played with me and has now coached me.
“I tend to try and allow my actions to speak louder than words. So they know I am a team man and they know I will do whatever it is that is best for the team. Whether that is coming back slowly, coming back fast. Whatever he wants as a coach I will try and do.”
For Friday’s clash the Kings also welcome back No 8 Tim Agaba and centre Tim Whitehead from injury. The Kings team is: Siviwe Soyizwapi, Siyanda Grey, Ronnie Cooke, Tim Whitehead, Luther Obi, Hansie Graaff, Jaco Grobler, Tim Agaba, Thembelani Bholi, Luke Watson (capt), Cornell Hess, Stefan Willemse, Simon Kerrod/Enoch Mnyaka, Edgar Marutlulle, Lizo Gqoboka. Replacements: Michael van Vuuren/Albe de Swardt, CJ van der Linde, David Bulbring, Paul Schoeman, Enrico Acker, Sphu Msutwana, Scott van Breda.