Cross-code star Mark Nawaqanitawase scores in Roosters debut

Sydney Roosters’ high-profile rugby union import Mark Nawaqanitawase put the club’s outside backs on notice with debut to remember. See the exclusive pictures and watch his first try for the club.

Former Wallabies star and Olympian Mark Nawaqanitawase during his Roosters debut. Picture: Thomas Lisson

Marky Mark has already made his mark on rugby league.

Sydney Roosters’ high-profile rugby union import Mark Nawaqanitawase - nicknamed Marky Mark - was highly impressive in a try-scoring NSW Cup debut in a 23-22 win over Canterbury on Sunday at a freezing Wentworth Park.

Nawaqanitawase played his first game of senior rugby league with Roosters coach Trent Robinson, chairman Nick Politis, NSW edge forward Angus Crichton and gun halfback Sam Walker watching from the grandstand.

It was a low-key debut given the Wentworth Park crowd was around 200, a long way short of the 70,000 that watched Nawaqanitawase play in Australia’s Olympics quarter final at Stade de France.

But Nawaqanitawase wasn’t concerned – he was comfortable, enthusiastic, involved and his big moment came late in the game when he ran a lovely line to score a try.

A Nawaqanitawase break on fulltime gave his side field position for a match-winning field goal.

In one brilliant first half moment, he caught a bomb on the full and passed to a teammate in the one motion. Nawaqanitawase was folded in defence when collecting a loose pass but bounced straight up.

Mark Nawaqanitawase’s maiden rugby league try. From all reports and our brief look at the game video.

He was really strong and ran effectively, will have to continue to develop defensively. Some missed assignments but it is his first game of rugby league in a while! pic.twitter.com/yBnkyX48bO

— The League Scene (@LeagueScenePod) August 18, 2024

Former Wallabies star and Olympian Mark Nawaqanitawase during his Roosters debut.

He enjoyed several strong second half carries and made another nice break before flick passing to a teammate.

Politis waited at the players’ gate after the game to congratulate Nawaqanitawase, who looks set for a long and successful career in rugby league.

“I found it fun, which was good,” Nawaqanitawase said. “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.

Mark Nawaqanitawase scored a try on debut. Picture: Thomas Lisson

“All the boys put me in the right positions and I just had to finish off where they put me. I had a few (nerves), always. It was my first game and a lot of people would be wondering how I am going, myself as well.

“It doesn’t matter where I play, I’m just grateful for the opportunity. I was lucky enough to have my family here as well, which was cool. It was tough, the Bulldogs are a top team in the comp. I’m going week by week at the moment.”

Nawaqanitawase, 23, defected to the Roosters in July before being approved to represent Australia’s Sevens side at the Paris Olympics. Standing 191cms and weighing 100kgs, Nawaqanitawase only started training with the Roosters last week after returning from France.

In the past ten months, Nawaqanitawase has represented the Roosters, Wallabies and been an Australian Olympian.

Robinson has no immediate plans to rush Nawaqanitawase into his NRL side, that honour likely to happen sometime next year.

Provided he adapts to rugby league, Nawaqanitawase could become a front-line contender for a wing spot next season.

Nick Politis, Trent Robinson and Angus Crichton at Wentworth Park. Picture: Thomas Lisson

Nawaqanitawase played in a NSW Cup match which included some well-known NRL players on both sides including Sandon Smith, Zach Dockar-Clay, Dylan Napa, Drew Hutchison and Liam Knight.

It is likely to be the first of three NSW Cup games that Nawaqanitawase – who has signed with the Roosters for 2025 and 2026 – plays this season.

Nawaqanitawase played 11 rugby union Tests for Australia and joined former Wallabies five-eighth Carter Gordon as rugby league converts this season. Gordon has joined Gold Coast Titans.

Eastwood-born Nawaqanitawase, who is of Fijian origin, attended St Patrick’s College, Strathfield. He played rugby league as a kid but always loved basketball.

Originally published as Cross-code star Mark Nawaqanitawase scores in Roosters debut