Waratahs Junior Wallaby Mark Nawaqanitawase out to make his name in rugby

He’s the young rugby star who is making a name for himself beyond his athletic skills, with a particular reason why his mates know him as ‘Marky Mark’ rather than his full name.

Mark Nawaqanitawase is greeted by family members. Picture: Rugby AU Media/Stuart Walmsley

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Remember the name, because you may not ever hear it pronounced properly or be able to see all 14 letters of it clearly on the back of a jersey

Mark Nawaqanitawase is a teenager with aerial skills likened to Israel Folau and one of the longest and hardest names to pronounce in sport.

“Yep, it’s a tongue twister,” said Nawaqanitawase, expected to debut with the Waratahs this season after the 19-year-old was added to their senior squad for the 2020 Super Rugby season.

Mark Nawaqanitawase at the championships in Argentina earlier this year.

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“It’s one of the most exciting things, a commentator trying to pronounce my name,” said Nawaqanitawase, who said few people even attempt the feat.

“My friends call me Marky Mark.’’

The Burwood born, Carlingford-based winger said he is still in a spin at the speed of his progression in the sport since being talent identified for the Waratahs Gen Blue program late last year.

The invitation to the program halted the talented youngster’s plans to go to New Zealand to ply his trade as a player after finishing school.

Instead it put him on a pathway that lead to the Oceania tournament and then Argentina with the Junior Wallabies for the World Cup last year.

The 19-year-old originally played rugby league early but fell in love with rugby while attending St Pats Strathfield.

The Dave Dennis Elite Youth Development Player of the Year in 2019, Nawaqanitawase has signed a three-year deal which will keep him with NSW Waratahs until 2022.

Markey Mark and rugby Australia national coaching advisor Stephen Larkham and Henry Robertson. Pic: Stuart Walmsley

Mark Nawaqanitawase on his way to scoring fro Australia in the final match of the World Rugby u20 championship.

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The athletic skill of Nawaqanitawase, who will play with Eastwood in the Shute Shield again in 2020, has been likened to cross coder Folau.

“It’s crazy to think people see similarities between us,” he said. “I still watch highlights of him before my games.”

The teen said he hopes to be able to emulate Folau’s creativity, speed and excitement on the field.

“He has ability to create something out of nothing,” he said. “Every time he gets the ball it is exciting to watch.”

The son of Fijian rugby league player Sevuloni Tuisorisori, the teenager lives with his mother and stepfather.

“I have a brother and sister but four step brothers and three step sisters,” said Nawaqanitawase, who said his family are thrilled at his contract.

“It has surprised me how quickly things have happened but I like to think I am a quick learner and developer,’’ he said. “My parents are over the moon.’’

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Waratahs coach Rob Penney is impressed with the young flyer.

“I’ve had the opportunity to see some of Mark’s performances for both the Junior Wallabies and the NSW Country Eagles – he’s an exceptional young player with some fantastic athletic ability,” Penney said.

“He’s a guy that came into our system later in his development, and after speaking with our coaching staff it’s clear he’s worked extremely hard to seize his opportunity and make the most of it.’’