Rugby union convert Mark Nawaqanitawase wasted no time in placing his hand up as a possible finals difference-maker for the Roosters, impressing on his NSW Cup debut within the Tricolours’ thrilling 23-22 win over the Bulldogs.
Scoring a crucial strive halfway by means of the primary half after scything by means of 4 defenders with an ideal line, the 23-year outdated sparked headlines earlier this 12 months after saying a shock transfer to rugby league, having been touted as a long-term star for the Wallabies after being one of many few shining lights in a 2023 from hell.
Having additionally represented Australia in rugby sevens on the Olympics, impressing from restricted recreation time because the staff misplaced each its semi-final and bronze medal matches to go away Paris empty-handed, a crowd of simply 200 at Wentworth Park didn’t dampen Nawaqanitawase’s spirits.
“I discovered it enjoyable, which was good,” Nawaqanitawase instructed The Each day Telegraph post-match.
“I’m simply looking for my toes and study as a lot as I can… all of the boys put me in the suitable positions and I simply needed to end off the place they put me.
“It doesn’t matter the place I play, I’m simply grateful for the chance.
“I used to be fortunate sufficient to have my household right here as properly, which was cool.”
With first grade coach Trent Robinson, in addition to Roosters chairman Nick Politis and new teammates Angus Crichton and Sam Walker watching on within the stands, the winger’s spectacular efficiency presents a variety dilemma within the lead-in to finals, with the Roosters all however locked into the highest 4.
Nonetheless, Robinson has been adamant Nawaqanitawase gained’t be rushed into the primary grade staff, with a debut extra prone to are available in 2025 because the rugby convert eases into his new code and first-choice Roosters Joey Manu and Joseph Suaalii head the opposite solution to union.
Talking on the Large Sports activities Breakfast, rugby league journalist Phil Rothfield, nevertheless, believes his spectacular begin within the tricolours makes him an ideal back-up ought to damage strike for the rest of the season.
“This man goes to make it, there’s no query in any respect,” Rothfield stated.
“He was very keen however very good as properly. He’s bought quite a lot of pace, quite a lot of talent and he’s a kind of excessive workrate wingers who go on the lookout for the ball.
“Will he play this 12 months? The Roosters have stated that he gained’t, however I believe it can rely on how he goes in NSW Cup over the following couple of weeks and I believe it’ll additionally rely on accidents with the wingers and centres on the Roosters.
“It’s going to be thrilling. Received’t or not it’s an ideal addition to the finals if the Roosters have to convey him into the aspect?”
The Roosters gained 23-22 in a weird match that featured 45 factors within the first half and none within the second, with a subject purpose from Hugo Savala within the fortieth minute proving sufficient to safe victory.
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