Former Wallabies star Mark Nawaqanitawase has hit the ground running in rugby league, scoring a sensational try on his debut in the 13-man code.
Nawaqanitawase agreed to join the Sydney Roosters back in December, and following the conclusion of the Olympic Rugby Sevens he has begun training with his new employers.
Since joining up with the squad, he has gone on to make his debut in the Roosters reserve squad during their 23-22 victory over Canterbury Bulldogs on Sunday.
He marked the start of his rugby league career with a fine second-half try too, as he cut a lovely inside line to beat four defenders and run in from 20 metres.
Welcome to rugby league Mark Nawaqanitawase 😤 pic.twitter.com/ViYjuMO0oC
— The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup (@NSWCup) August 19, 2024
The winger also chipped in with an assist, as well as making a mighty 154 metres with ball-in-hand and made two line-breaks too.
“A lot of people would be wondering how I’m going”
There is a huge amount of excitement surrounding the ex-Waratahs man following his switch over to league. He has already been named in the Roosters’ main NRL roster, which is comprised of the top 30 players within their squad, and his impressive debut has already added some fuel to the fire of a potential NRL debut this season.
Despite the obvious hype around him, the former Wallabiesfinisher feels he’s still trying to ‘find his feet’ in league.
“The first carry was good to get out of the way,” he told reporters after the game. “I’m just trying to find my feet and learn as much as I can.”
He added: “There was a little bit of nerves. Always is. I knew with my first game that a lot of people would be wondering how I’m going, and myself as well.”
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The game itself was a far-cry from the lofty heights of the Olympic Games, with only 200 people in attendance at Wentworth Park, but Nawaqanitawase detailed he still felt ‘grateful’ for the opportunity.
“It doesn’t matter where I play,” he said. “I was lucky enough to have my family here, too, so I’m just grateful to have the opportunity to play.”
It still remains to be seen if he will be a success in the NRL, but Nawaqanitawase has certainly hit the ground running in rugby league.
Touted for NRL success
His impressive debut in the NSW Cup has also earned him plaudits from pundits Down Under.
Speaking on the Big Sports Breakfast Show, Australian rugby league journalist Phil Rothfield was full of praise for Nawaqanitawase.
“This guy is going to make it, there’s no question whatsoever,” Rothfield said.
“He was very willing but very brilliant as well. He’s got a lot of speed, a lot of skill and he’s one of those high work rate wingers who go looking for the ball.
“Will he play this year? The Roosters have said that he won’t, but I think it will depend on how he goes in NSW Cup over the next couple of weeks and I think it’ll also depend on injuries with the wingers and centres at the Roosters,” he continued.
“It’s going to be exciting. Won’t it be a great addition to the finals if the Roosters need to bring him into the side.”