Roosters star Mark Nawaqanitawase opens up on code switch and the Moore Park merry-go-round

Roosters star Mark Nawaqanitawase has opened up on his NRL switch, and revealed why he thinks the code hopping merry-go-round is just beginning.

The merry-go-round is spinning fast at Moore Park.

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii was a Rooster but now plays for the Waratahs.

Mark Nawaqanitawase was a Waratah but now plays for the Roosters.

Joey Manu was also a Rooster who now plays for Toyota Verblitz… but could be back at the Roosters this year.

Still with us?

Good — because this is just the beginning.

“There will be an increase (in player movements),” Nawaqanitawase told The Saturday Telegraph.

“It’s the nature of athletes these days. They’re getting better and more adaptive to each sport, so it’s bound to happen.”

Mark Nawaqanitawase has opened up on his move to the Roosters, and the transfer frenzy that followed. Picture: Getty Images

Nawaqanitawase is in his first pre-season with the Roosters, but from sports to teams and even friends, he can’t escape his predecessor, Suaalii.

“We actually were golfing together yesterday,” Nawaqanitawase said of the Waratahs superstar.

“Obviously, he’s still mates with all the ex-teammates at the Roosters and all my mates and ex-teammates at the Tahs … so, you know, we bump into each other here and there.”

While crossing paths with Suaalii is normal for Nawaqanitawase, life itself has changed drastically since moving to the Roosters.

Looking ahead to his first full season, the Roosters’ marquee signing sits down with Tyson Jackson to discuss his next chapter.

THE PARTNERSHIP

First, it was Rugby Australia’s multi-year acquisition of Suaalii.

Next, Japanese rugby poached two-time premiership winner Joseph Manu from under the nose of the Tricolours.

But the Roosters were not going to sit around and let a different code raid their outside-back stocks, putting their stamp on Rugby Australia’s hottest prospect when they secured Nawaqanitawase for three years.

Nawaqanitawase believes that what he and his former Roosters teammates have started will become the new norm for both codes.

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii’s move to union kicked off the Moore Park merry-go-round. Picture: Getty Images

And Nawaqanitawase’s prediction may just include himself … again, telling The Saturday Telegraph his time in rugby may not be over.

“I feel like there’s still an opportunity, one day, that I might go back to union,” he said.

Despite wanting to keep the door open for another switch, Nawaqanitawase believes his switch to the Roosters is one of the best decisions he has made.

MANU’S RETURN

Reports of Manu wanting to leave his new life as a rugby star to return to the Roosters have created headlines after his team in Japan started their year with only one win from nine games.

With the Roosters leaving a roster spot open for a potential Manu return, Nawaqanitawase isn’t opposed to the idea of linking up with the former centre.

“It’s Joey Manu — who wouldn’t want to have him?” Nawaqanitawase said.

Although it seems like a genuine possibility, the high-flyer is unsure how likely Manu’s return to the Roosters is, even potentially shutting down reports of unhappiness from Manu.

“I think he is enjoying it over there, that’s the thing,” Nawaqanitawase said.

Joseph Manu playing rugby union for the Toyota Verblitz in Japan. Picture: Getty Images

FIRST PRE-SEASON

When asked about his first NRL pre-season, Nawaqanitawase provided an interesting insight.

“It’s definitely been an eye-opening experience,” Nawaqanitawase said with a smile.

Whether it was the physicality, increased running load, or the dreaded wrestling sweat box, Nawaqanitawase’s four years as a professional athlete couldn’t prepare him for what he experienced.

“There’s been some good days and there’s been some tough days, but I guess it’s all part of the journey,” he said.

“Going from pretty much no wrestling to three days a week in the sweat box, wrestling each other — it’s been a big change.”

The new recruit has tried to come up with strategies to help him through his tough sessions.

“I try to go with the smaller guys, but then actually some of the smaller guys are pretty good,” Nawaqanitawase said.

“Try to go with someone small that I can hopefully, you know, dominate.”

Nawaqanitawase scoring a try in his NRL debut in Round 27 2024. Picture: Getty Images

Away from training, Nawaqanitawase is experiencing a different type of reception than what new Roosters usually receive.

Instead of the usual title hype, the general consensus from experts is that the Roosters will struggle this year.

And while many people are making their judgment off a lacklustre 0-2 trial run, Nawaqanitawase has urged fans not to write them off.

“It’s the Sydney Roosters. There’s quality staff, quality players, so yeah, you can’t write us off,” he said.

“We do have a few things to work on, which we will. It is a trial game, there’s 27 rounds to go.”

FOOTY ESCAPE

Having done all the preparation, Nawaqanitawase’s biggest lesson since his transition is to enjoy time away from a gruelling training schedule.

When off the field, the Roosters centre will be putting his looks to work, renewing his partnership with clothing brand Under Armour, which won’t only see him decked out in their activewear but even being somewhat of a model for them.

Even before stepping onto the field as a professional, Nawaqanitawase dreamt of partnering with a brand like Under Armour.

“I’ve been very fortunate to have Under Armour support me throughout my journey,” he said.

“As a kid, you are always following the superstars and seeing what they’re wearing. I guess for me, coming into a professional career, having the opportunity to be sponsored by a brand like Under Armour has been a dream.”

Nawaqanitawase will lead Under Armour’s transition into the Australian sporting atmosphere.

The brand has partnered with ISC, who have made some of rugby leagues most iconic jerseys, with the goal of deepening its footprint in the 13-man sport.

Not wanting to be known just as a model, Nawaqanitawase has also indulged in the property market.

The cross-code star is selling his North Parramatta apartment, with Nawaqanitawase revealing he wants to use real estate to advance his finances.

“For any young athlete, when you get put in a position that I’m fortunate to be in, you have got to be smart with the things that you get,” he said.

“Property’s a great way to advance in your financial side. So just make sure you make smart decisions with the opportunities that you have.”

Originally published as Roosters star Mark Nawaqanitawase opens up on code switch and the Moore Park merry-go-round