Former Wallaby Mark Nawaqanitawase touted to be HUGE league ...

Former Wallabies and Olympic Sevens star Mark Nawaqanitawase has continued his fine start to life in rugby league, marking his full NRL debut with a try in the Sydney Roosters win this weekend. 

The winger joined up with the Roosters squad after the Olympic Games, and last month made his senior bow in the club’s reserve side. He grabbed two tries in his first three games for the reserves, and his form was rewarded with a start in the Roosters’ clash with the South Sydney Rabbitohs this weekend.

He made a very impressive start to life in the NRL, and got heavily involved in the Roosters attack. The former Waratahs ace racked up a solid 122 meters from 15 carries and notching three tackle bursts too.

Nawaqanitawase also chipped in with some solid defensive efforts too, making 10 tackles.

Things got off to a brilliant start for him, as he opened the scoring for the night with a brilliant effort. After a pinpoint cross-field kick from Luke Keary, Nawaqanitawase leapt highest to collect the ball and dot down.

Welcome to the #NRL Mark Nawaqanitawase ???? #NRLSouthsRoosters @Telstra Moment of the Match pic.twitter.com/Bmh5U5PQnA

— NRL (@NRL) September 6, 2024

Following his impressive NRL debut, Roosters captain James Tedesco was full of praise for Nawaqanitawase.

“I loved his game,” Tedesco said. “It’s tough to come in as a winger and he handled his first few carries really strong.”

Wallabies veteran who made Test debut ‘before Instagram was invented’ not fussed about about significant record

He added: “It’s a credit to him. He’s picked up the game really quickly and has been eager to learn. I thought he was awesome tonight on debut.”

Roosters head coach, Trent Robinson, echoed the words of his captain, detailing how he thinks Nawaqanitawase will ‘continue to get better’.

“I was just saying, I think everyone is sort of looking and see if he can adapt and what traits he brings and whether he’ll get lost, but he doesn’t look out of place at all”

“He looks very comfortable on a lot of the decision making plays as well and the things we do a little bit differently. He just looks comfortable. It’s his fourth game of rugby league since he was 15. It’s a pretty good job and that means he’s a quality player and he’ll continue to get better.”

Nawaqanitawase could now play a big part in the NRL Finals, as the Roosters seek a first Grand Final appearance since 2019.

READ NEXT: Argentina v Australia preview: Los Pumas to ‘bite back’ and ‘muscle past’ Wallabies