High-profile Roosters recruit Mark Nawaqanitawase has impressed in his debut for the club, scoring a try in the 23-22 NSW Cup win over the Bulldogs.
In what is a far cry from representing his country in the Rugby Sevens at the Paris Olympics last month, Nawaqanitawase played on the right wing in front of a crowd of 200 at Wentworth Park.
In front of Roosters first grade coach Trent Robinson, the former Wallabies star proved why he featured at international level in rugby union, moving beautifully en route to his try on Sunday when cutting back inside and beating a couple of defenders with ease.
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In what was his first game of senior rugby league, Naqaqanitawase looked quite comfortable and showed a willingness to get involved.
He had his second line break later in the first half when streaking down the right sideline and passing it back inside as he was being tackled into touch, which led to another Roosters try.
“I found it fun, which was good,” Nawaqanitawase told The Daily Telegraph.
“The first carry was good to get out of the way. I’m just trying to find my feet and learn as much as I can.”
Ritchie’s colleague Phil Rothfield liked what he saw from Nawaqanitawase, believing he has the tools to make it in the NRL despite his inexperience in rugby league.
“This guy is going to make it, there’s no question whatsoever,” Rothfield said on the Big Sports Breakfast radio show.
“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 workrate wingers who go looking for the ball.”
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The Roosters have more or less ruled out the possibility of promoting the 23-year-old to first grade this season, however Rothfield said that will depend on a couple of factors.
“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 said.
“He’s training with the NRL club at the moment, slotted in really well though and he’s very much part of that Roosters culture.
“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.”
The Roosters have dealt with a range of injuries and suspensions to their outside back stocks this season, but on the doorstep of the finals, they are fielding their first choice wing and centre quartet of Dom Young, Daniel Tupou, Joey Manu and Joseph Suaali’i.
If he continues on the upward spiral, Nawaqanitawase is every chance to feature for the Roosters early next season, considering Manu and Suaali’i are both heading to rugby union.
Source Agencies
