Stade de France to Wentworth Park: Roosters’ signing’s low-key debut

When Mark Nawaqanitawase runs onto Wentworth Park on Sunday, there will be about 75,000 fewer fans to greet him than in his last game of football.

Not that the Roosters’ newest recruit is concerned. Having farewelled rugby union in style – in front of a capacity crowd at Stade de France during an Olympic sevens semi-final clash – Nawaqanitawase will pull on the Tricolours jersey for the first time in the club’s NSW Cup clash against Canterbury.

Nawaqanitawase has long admired cross-code stars Sonny Bill Williams and Israel Folau, and this will be the first step towards emulating them.

“They were the ones growing up that were my generation when I was watching,” Nawaqanitawase said. “They were the big ones that I watched growing up and gave me a bit of influence to do it, that it can be done. Definitely those two fellas.”

Whether Nawaqanitawase follows in their footsteps by making his NRL debut this season or next will depend on the health of the Roosters’ roster and how quickly he adapts to a different code.

“I’ve got the playbook, I’m getting through that every day to wrap my head around a few things,” he said. “It’s coming slowly, but the support I’m getting is great.”

Nawaqanitawase will make his Roosters debut just 21 days after his Paris Olympic campaign ended. It’s the continuation of an emotional three-week roller coaster during which he has also laid to rest stepfather Aisake Tovehi, who lost his battle with cancer.

Mark Nawaqanitawase in action for Australia’s rugby sevens team at the 2024 Olympic Games.Credit: Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Roosters coach Trent Robinson has stressed he won’t be rushing Nawaqanitawase, who will help fill the void left by Joey Manu and Joseph Suaalii’s defection to rugby.

He’s only spent a week at Bondi Junction, but already Nawaqanitawase likes what he’s seen.

“It’s been exciting, I will say that,” he said.

“I’ve been looking forward to joining the team and working with the players they have and the staff. It’s lived up to it already.

“I’m just learning the detail with the team. It’s mostly a few learning days at the moment.

“It’s been amazing, and I’m very grateful to be in the position I am.”

Whether the former Wallaby remains in league after completing his two-year deal or returns to the 15-man code remains to be seen. However, he said he could not have had a better union farewell than what he experienced at the Games.

“There were 77,000 [fans] every day,” he said. “Passionate – that’s the word I love to use with the Europeans – the passion they have is like no other.

“It makes it so special and you realise how lucky you are to be able to do that. It’s a really special thing to do before [switching codes].”

‘Doing it for Nath’: Luai has a maximum four games left with Cleary

Christian Nicolussi

Jarome Luai has vowed to keep Penrith’s premiership assault on track without Nathan Cleary as it became clear he only has a maximum four games left to play alongside his great mate.

Luai has once again become the main man at the Panthers and entrusted with winning the final three games against Canberra, South Sydney and the Gold Coast before Cleary’s expected return from a shoulder injury in week one of the finals.

Just as he became the chief conductor earlier in the season while Cleary missed more than two months with a hamstring injury, Luai declared: “I need to go out there and do a good job for Nath.

“I need to zone in on what I can do for these boys, and make sure I’m doing my role.”

Jack Cole and Brad Schneider, who is due to start at halfback in Sunday’s NSW Cup game for the Panthers, are in contention to come into the halves – but Luai will call the shots.

The 27-year-old is more than comfortable being the chief playmaker, and will do just that when he joins the Wests Tigers next season.

Jarome Luai is once again the top cat at Penrith.Credit: Gregg Porteous/NRL Photos

“I think everyone knows what a big part [Cleary] is to this team,” Luai said.

“For myself, I’ve been in his shoes, it’s all about positivity and manifesting that.

“He’ll come back and be ready to play. I’ve played a fair few games without him now.

“We need to lace up our boots and chuck the jersey on, which he can’t do.

A frustrated Nathan Cleary is assisted from the field by Penrith chief physio Pete Green.Credit: Getty Images

“I tried to brighten the mood when [I spotted Cleary in the sheds]. You could tell he was down. I said to him, ‘So I’ll see you next week out there’. I try to bring that positive energy. I know it will help him in the long run.”

Cleary suffered a subluxation of his left shoulder as he was tackled by Storm prop Josh King. The damage was done when Cleary was grabbed from behind by King a second time. The Panthers had no issues with the tackle. A return in the first week of the finals would mean Cleary plays two to four games through September, depending on results.

Luai suffered his own shoulder injury on the eve of last year’s finals, which was a much worse prognosis than Cleary’s setback.

Meanwhile, young forward Liam Henry won over plenty of his teammates and fans when he called out Nelson Asofa-Solomona for hitting Daine Laurie from behind on Thursday night.

Penrith prop Liam Henry won plenty of admirers when he stood up to Nelson Asofa-Solomona.Credit: NRL images

Henry marched towards Asofa-Solomona and had to be held back by teammates before Asofa-Solomona walked behind the melee and challenged Henry to come at him.

“There was a bit of contact on ‘Daino’. You hate to see it happen to one of your teammates, so it fired me up a bit,” Henry said.

“I’m glad I didn’t go at him. I dare say he would have sat me on my arse.

“He was all good afterwards. It’s footy. You leave it all out on the field.”

Having lost Blaize Talagi, Eels turn sights on Panthers for Ryles’ first target

Adam Pengilly

Just days after losing Blaize Talagi to the Panthers, the Eels have stepped up their interest in Penrith’s boom young fullback Isaiah Iongi in a bid to make him incoming coach Jason Ryles’ first major signing.

Iongi, who made his NRL debut a fortnight ago, has been identified by the Eels as a long-term fullback option for the club after Talagi walked out on Parramatta to link with their western Sydney rivals from next year.

The decision from the Eels’ local junior was considered a savage blow for Ryles, but Parramatta has quickly shifted their attention to Queensland-raised Iongi, who has been a standout for Penrith in the NSW Cup for the last two seasons.

Iongi still has a year remaining on his deal at Penrith, but given he’s behind Australian and NSW representative Dylan Edwards and utility Daine Laurie, the Panthers are unlikely to stand in his way if he wants to pursue a full-time NRL gig elsewhere.

Iongi impressed during his top grade debut against the Knights earlier this month and is considered ready for the regular demands of the NRL.

His potential addition to the Eels ranks – following in the footsteps of J’maine Hopgood, who was also starved for consistent NRL action at Penrith – would give Ryles the option of shifting Clint Gutherson to another backline position.

Isaiah Iongi debuted for the Panthers this month.Credit: Getty Images

Ryles has already told veteran prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard he is free to leave before the end of his contract next year, with North Queensland and St George Illawarra expressing an interest in luring him to their clubs.

Back-rower Ryan Matterson and winger Maika Sivo have also been granted permission to explore their options elsewhere.

The Eels have already started dialogue with five-eighth Dylan Brown’s management about taking up an option on his contract beyond the end of next season to avoid him fielding offers from rival clubs for the 2026 season.

But Iongi seems the most realistic option to come into the club externally, with the Panthers aware of the Eels’ overtures.

Talagi is expected to vie for the vacant five-eighth role alongside Nathan Cleary at the Panthers next year, with Iongi seen by Eels recruiters as a ready-made replacement to add speed to a backline seeking more pace.

Speaking after his NRL debut, Iongi said: “It was unreal. It was more than I can imagine.

“I’m still learning from Dylan Edwards. He’s the best of the best. I’m happy to bide my time behind him and learn from him.

“The cramps got me a beauty at the end [of the game], I couldn’t even stand up at one stage. But managed to come through with the goods.”

‘They dug the well’: NRL inducts first female players into Hall of Fame

Adam Pengilly

Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys has paid tribute to those who “dug the well” for the women’s game after the NRL inducted the first female players into its Hall of Fame.

The Jillaroos’ inaugural 1995 captain, Natalie Dwyer, and former teammates Katrina Fanning and Tarsha Gale will be honoured alongside longtime Australian representative Karyn Murphy, four-time World Cup player Tahnee Norris and 17-Test veteran Veronica White at a black tie function at the SCG next Wednesday night.

“This class includes some of the great trailblazers of women’s rugby league,” V’landys said.

“They all significantly helped to put women’s rugby league in the strong position it is today. “It’s a privilege to see the game take this step and recognise female players in the National Rugby League Hall of Fame.

“Each of the inductees has played a significant role in the growth of the women’s game, and the game itself. They are extraordinary individuals who worked extremely hard to put women’s rugby league on the map.

“Women’s rugby league is as popular as it is now because of the efforts of the inductees. Each of them has also continued to play a significant role in the game after retirement.”

The announcement comes a day after the NRL confirmed the game’s most decorated men’s player, Cameron Smith, will headline 11 male players to be elevated to the Hall of Fame.

Titans coach and former Jillaroo Karyn Murphy will enter the NRL Hall of Fame.Credit: Dan Peled

The nod to the history of the women’s game is seen as a critical step by the ARLC, which will have the chance to induct modern-day greats such as Ali Brigginshaw once they’ve been retired for three years or longer.

The NRL has been enjoying a record women’s season, which has featured bumper television ratings for the first three-game State of Origin series and an NRLW competition which will expand to 12 teams next year.

“With the NRLW and women’s game flying, it is critical as a game that we pay tribute to those who have dug the well,” V’landys said.

Flanagan lands his biggest signing with Holmes to exit Cowboys

Adam Pengilly

Shane Flanagan will reunite with Valentine Holmes, one of his former premiership heroes at the Sharks, as another steps up his bid to leave the Dragons.

Having made a lightning dash to Townsville last week, St George Illawarra coach Flanagan and Holmes’ management thrashed out a deal on Tuesday night, which will mean the State of Origin star will play under his old coach again and be released from the final year of his contract at the Cowboys.

Holmes was due to earn close to $1.2 million in 2025, but his early exit will alleviate North Queensland’s salary cap squeeze as Flanagan adds a proven winner to his developing squad.

But Holmes’ old Sharks teammate, Jack Bird, has spoken to Benji Marshall about a possible shift to the Tigers having been granted permission to test the market despite having a year left on his Dragons deal.

Bird has struggled to find a consistent spot in the Dragons’ line-up this season and recently chatted with Marshall about his future. The Tigers are yet to decide whether they will pursue the 29-year-old and haven’t tabled a formal offer.

St George Illawarra confirmed Holmes’ signing on Thursday and he will fill a gaping hole for the Dragons, who were on the lookout for a goal-kicking outside back after Zac Lomax requested an early release from his deal to join Parramatta.

Queensland Origin star Holmes and South Sydney’s Damien Cook will be St George Illawarra’s two major signings next year as Flanagan looks to add experience to a squad already pushing for a finals spot this season.

Valentine Holmes is set to reunite with Shane Flanagan.Credit: Getty

The Dragons have registered an interest in Parramatta’s Reagan Campbell-Gillard and have been linked to Newcastle’s Daniel Saifiti and Canberra’s Corey Horsburgh.

But they have made no secret of their desire to prise Campbell-Gillard out of the final year of his Eels contract in a bid to add a powerful prop to the roster.

Ironically, Holmes’ imminent exit from the Cowboys will free up money for Todd Payten’s side to also chase Campbell-Gillard as they look to add another middle forward to a squad that includes the ageing Jason Taumalolo and Jordan McLean.

Despite Bird stepping up his bid to leave St George Illawarra, Flanagan is considering pitching the utility into the vital role of five-eighth for the Dragons’ must-win clash with the Titans in Wollongong on Sunday.

Kyle Flanagan was banned for four matches after being found guilty of biting at the NRL judiciary on Tuesday night, leaving the Dragons short in the halves. He won’t play again this season unless the Dragons make the finals, which would also double as his 100th NRL match.

Despite testing the waters with Bird, the Tigers confirmed on Wednesday Bulldogs winger and rugby union convert Jeral Skelton will follow Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva to the club next year.

“I think this is a great opportunity for me, and I’m really happy with this decision,” Skelton said. “I think Wests Tigers are a club with a very bright future, and to be a part of that is so exciting.

“Obviously, I want to finish this season strongly with my current teammates, but I look forward to meeting my new teammates in pre-season.”

Skelton has made six NRL appearances for the Bulldogs since making his debut last year.

Addo-Carr to open talks on new Dogs deal after $2m gamble finally pays off

Dan Walsh

After two years when Josh Addo-Carr’s NRL win-percentage halved, off-field dramas emerged and talk of an early release from Canterbury followed, the Bulldogs’ most marketable figure is preparing to kick off extension talks to keep him at Belmore beyond 2025.

Addo-Carr and his management have flagged preliminary negotiations with Canterbury boss Phil Gould in the coming weeks, with an eye to potentially sorting his future before November 1.

Happy Foxx: Josh Addo-Carr celebrates a try for Canterbury.Credit: NRL Imagery

Addo-Carr enters the final season of his initial $2 million, four-year Bulldogs deal after the likes of Newcastle and Parramatta expressed interest last summer during the most turbulent period of his career.

When Addo-Carr first signed to leave all-conquering Melbourne for Belmore, he did so with two premierships, almost 100 tries for the Storm and a win-percentage of almost 79 per cent – one of the best in rugby league.

Then-Canterbury CEO Andrew Hill described Addo-Carr’s late 2020 signing as “the biggest move yet” in the club’s ongoing rebuild, which came a month after Matt Burton was lured from Penrith.

For the first two years of Addo-Carr’s tenure, though, the Bulldogs’ win percentage hovered around 32, he lost his NSW Origin spot (which he later regained) and some at Canterbury were willing to consider an early release when he was suspended for his part in a brawl at the Koori Knockout last year and was delivered some home truths by Gould.

All of which makes the club’s resurgence under Cameron Ciraldo all the sweeter for Addo-Carr, even if he’s been restricted to just 11 games this year by injury.

Helping hands: Josh Addo-Carr, Viliame Kikau (left) and Matt Burton (right) have helped turn around Canterbury’s culture.Credit: Getty Images

“I took a chance on this club three years ago,” Addo-Carr said ahead of Saturday’s clash with the Dolphins. “And obviously things didn’t pan out straight away. But it’s definitely going to plan now.

“I like to think I’ve helped this club in some way, and I’m just so proud to be a part of this playing group. What ‘Ciro’ has brought to the club, it was a frustrating [first] two years, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. It’s definitely made me hungrier and want more success.

“It’s not losing, it’s learning, that’s what I’ve learnt over the last two or three years, and really enjoying footy and life outside of footy as well.”

The 29-year-old sees himself at Canterbury for the long haul though, and is regarded as one of the most popular figures in both the NRL and at Belmore with off-field ventures including clothing, merchandise and multimedia content under his name.

The likes of Reed Mahoney, Viliame Kikau and Stephen Crichton have followed Addo-Carr and Burton along with a slew of players from successful clubs Penrith, Cronulla, Souths and the Roosters amid the NRL’s most extensive roster overhaul.

“I feel like we have the right players and the right talent right now,” Addo-Carr said. “With all due respect to the players that I played with when I first came here, the players that are here now have just bought into what Ciro’s brought to the club.

“Critta [Crichton] has come, Kiks [Kikau], Connor Tracey, Jaeman Salmon, all those boys that are really good fellas but they’re willing to work hard. It’s just rubbed off on the younger fellas coming through as well. You can see it on the field.

“I’m just so happy to be a part of it. I took a chance on this club two or three years ago now, and it’s definitely been worth the wait. It makes me so proud to be a part of this team.

“There’s still a lot of hard work ahead of us, which we know. Hopefully we can do something really special in the next couple of weeks.”

Manly raid Rabbitohs for next target

Adam Pengilly

The Sea Eagles are closing in on another recruitment target with free agent Michael Chee Kam in advanced negotiations to join the club.

Anthony Seibold hasn’t hidden a desire to add to his back row stocks and the club is working on a one-year deal to bring Chee Kam across from the Rabbitohs.

The NRL journeyman is without a deal for next season having spent the last two years at South Sydney, but with incoming coach Wayne Bennett hamstrung by a tight salary cap, the Sea Eagles are preparing to swoop on Chee Kam.

Chee Kam, 32, is considered an ideal addition for Manly’s back row depth with Karl Lawton doing an admirable job in recent weeks alongside State of Origin representative Haumole Olakau’atu.

Chee Kam started for South Sydney in their loss to the Storm on Thursday night and has been one of their most durable players this year with 16 appearances.

South Sydney has signed Manly playmaker Jamie Humphreys on a two-year deal from next season.

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