Roosters recruit and rugby convert Mark Nawaqanitawase hits the training track
Roosters coach Trent Robinson has put new recruit and ex-Wallabies flyer Mark Nawaqanitawase to work on the training track and revealed how and when the speedster might see some NRL action.
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Former Wallabies star Mark Nawaqanitawase’s life as a Rooster has officially begun and he could play his first game of rugby league as early as next Sunday.
Nawaqanitawase joined his new Roosters teammates for the first time on Saturday as he took part in a condition and skills session at the team’s Moore Park headquarters.
It comes even before the Olympics officially wrap up after Nawaqanitawase was part of Australia’s Sevens team in Paris which finished fourth.
But Nawaqanitawase has fast-tracked his code switch and Roosters coach Trent Robinson said he was looking forward to formally working with his new recruit.
The Roosters players returned to training on Saturday after a few days off given they have the bye this round.
Nawaqanitawase originally signed a two year deal to join the Roosters from next season but after he missed out on the most recent Wallabies squad he was able to accelerate his Roosters move.
He could play as early as next week in NSW Cup when the Roosters reserve grade side take on the Bulldogs at Wentworth Park.
“It’s really simple,” Robinson said. “It’s getting him in before the pre-season. We wanted to get him in before that and have him understand our club, our game style and have him integrate with the guys.
“Any acceleration on those things that we can get done beforehand (is a bonus). We’ll get him a few games and most likely next week.”
The 23-year-old, who played 11 games for the Wallabies, has already been given a Roosters crash course in recent days. He has been given the Roosters game model and play book.
And while it is unlikely, Robinson won’t rule out the prospect of Nawaqanitawase jagging an NRL match this season if he finds his feet.
“I want to talk to him about what’s most comfortable but I’m seeing him start on the wing,” Robinson said. “That’s the best way to get him started.
“You never say never (about playing NRL this year) but that’s not the goal. I’m not going to rule anything out when it comes to that but that’s definitely not the goal.
“I am really looking forward to getting him in.
“We’ve taken risks from both sides. You want to do this in the right way.”
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Originally published as Roosters recruit and rugby convert Mark Nawaqanitawase hits the training track
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