Mark Nawaqanitawase will make one of the most anticipated NRL debuts of the season when he lines up for the Roosters against arch-rivals South Sydney on Friday night.
Just a month after representing Australia in rugby sevens at the Paris Olympics, Nawaqanitawase will run onto Accor Stadium in jersey No.20. It has been a rollercoaster ride for the former Wallabies star, who has impressed in his three NSW Cup appearances for the Tricolours.
Mark Nawaqanitawase will make his Roosters debut,Credit: Dion Georgopoulos
In the space of a few months, Nawaqanitawase has switched codes, mourned the passing of beloved stepfather Aisake Tovehi and earned himself a first-grade berth for the injury-ravaged Roosters.
While the Roosters don’t want to rush his progression, the chance to blood him in a game that will have little bearing on their finals campaign was too good to pass over.
“At the end of the day I’ve crossed over to play NRL,” Nawaqanitawase told this masthead last month when asked about playing NRL in 2024.
“Obviously, it would be nice if the opportunity came.
“I’ve got some learning to do first so I can give the coaches confidence to pick me. I’m in a good position at the moment to learn as much as I can.”
More to come …
NRL is Live and Free on Channel 9 & 9Now
