Mark Nawaqanitawase opens up on Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii’s Wallabies debut as Roosters sign sponsorship deal with BYD

Mark Nawaqanitawase says has no regrets on walking out on Rugby Union, after watching former teammate Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii star in his Wallabies debut.

Sydney Roosters convert Mark Nawaqanitawase watched former teammate Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii inspire the Wallabies to a shock win over England the other day and felt a bolt of pride.

“I didn’t get up early but I watched it obviously when I woke,” Nawaqanitawase said.

“Very happy for him. It’s the start of his journey and obviously he handled it as everyone thought he would. I sent him a little good luck message.

“He did an amazing job, he should be proud and I hope he knows he belongs there. It’s not like we didn’t know he was capable. He did what he needed to do.

Mark Nawaqanitawase has praised Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii for his Wallabies debut. Picture: NRL Imagery

“I guess the whole team, they got the win. That’s an exciting time for him and his family. I know how hard it’s been for those boys that have been there for a while and to get a win like that, even I was stoked.

“That last try at the end, you time was up, the way they finished, you know, it was exciting and just good to have that feeling.

“I hope for the rest of the spring tour that they can just continue going forward.”

Not that Nawaqanitawase harbours any regret. He is just about to ramp up a journey of his own that began late last year when he shelved his own Wallabies plans to join the Roosters.

Suaalii helped inspire the Wallabies to a shock win over England. Picture: Getty Images

He managed one game in first grade at the end of the year, playing on the wing as the Roosters beat arch enemies South Sydney, and that taste of first grade shapes as an entree for this season.

In a sign of how highly the Roosters regard the 23-year-old, he joined captain James Tedesco and international forwards Lindsay Collins and Spencer Leniu at the launch of the club’s new major sponsor on Tuesday.

The deal, with Chinese automotive brand BYD, is the largest in the club’s long and proud history – the five-year deal to back the NRL and NRLW teams is believed to be worth around $10 million.

James Tedesco, Isabelle Kelly and Nawaqanitawase pose as the Sydney Roosters unveil their new sponsor, Chinese car company BYD. Picture: Rohan Kelly

Roosters with new jersey sponsor. Picture: Sydney Roosters

Nawaqanitawase looks a million dollars himself. In a sign of his desire to hit the ground running on his return to training, he has come back from holidays at his playing weight – 104kg.

“I’m looking to obviously be fitter, hopefully a bit stronger and faster,” he sad.

“I just want to put my best foot forward. I want I want to help this team out as much as I can. Obviously I’d love to play every game.

“But for me, it’s more so just getting a game at the start and not looking too far ahead. Just trying to play some games at the start and build a good chemistry with the boys around me, and figure out a position as well.

“Where they want me. Wherever they is best for me to help the team.”

The Roosters have lost some big names in their backline and Nawaqanitawase will get his chance in the pre-season. The ball will then be in his court.

His one appearance suggests he won’t look out of place on the end of the Roosters’ backline but the pre-season is likely to determine his fate, at least in the short term.

“I guess this is what I guess this pre-season will be about -figure out where I can help the team most,” he said.

“But look at the end of the day, wherever they need me, I’m ready to go. I feel like I have a lot more to give and the pre-season is only going to help me and make me better.

“I’m really looking forward to the year and looking forward to getting into this pre-season and ripping in with the boys.”

Originally published as Mark Nawaqanitawase opens up on Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii’s Wallabies debut as Roosters sign sponsorship deal with BYD