[2] Watson joined the Manukau Magpies and in 1986 won the ARLs most improved back award.
[3] Dave Watson played fullback in Bradford Northern's 15-8 defeat by Wigan in the 1992–93 Regal Trophy Final during the 1992–93 season at Elland Road, Leeds on Saturday 23 January 1993.
[5] This made him eligible to participate in the Kiwi trials that year and he was selected for the series against Australia.
In 1994 Watson began playing in the Australian competition, spending time with the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, Sydney Tigers, Gold Coast Chargers and South Queensland Crushers.
In 1998 Watson, along with fellow 1989 Kiwi Whetu Taewa, Watson played stand-off in Sheffield Eagles' 17-8 victory over Wigan in the 1998 Challenge Cup Final during Super League III at Wembley Stadium, London on Saturday 2 May 1998.