The Roosters are exploring an immediate acquisition of Mark Nawaqanitawase following his exclusion from Joe Schmidt’s inaugural Wallabies selection. The Waratahs winger was not included among the 16 players from the eliminated Super Rugby teams invited to Australian training camps to maintain fitness for the July Tests against Georgia and Wales.
Nawaqanitawase’s career in the XV-man code might be over, though he has engaged in discussions about potentially joining the Sevens team for the Paris Olympics. These conversations, however, were approached with caution, as indicated by coach John Manenti’s remarks.
According to a Friday report from the Sydney Morning Herald, the Roosters are interested in offering Nawaqanitawase an “extended apprenticeship” with the NRL team, with the aim of integrating him fully by 2025. The Herald noted that the Roosters are keen on facilitating his transition to rugby league through training and potential appearances in lower grades.
Meanwhile, Nawaqanitawase has also had discussions with Manenti, with whom he shares a longstanding relationship, about the possibility of competing in the Paris Olympics. Despite his exclusion from Schmidt’s selection, there remains a possibility for Nawaqanitawase to contribute to the Sevens team, provided he can swiftly adapt to the demands of the game.
Manenti expressed familiarity with Nawaqanitawase, noting, “I know ‘Marky’ pretty well and we have had a few conversations. I would certainly consider him [for selection] and evaluate his readiness. There is significant work required for him to catch up quickly, but he has played with us before, even joining the Commonwealth Games squad on short notice. We need more impactful players, so he remains an option.”
However, Manenti seems to prioritize other Super Rugby talents over Nawaqanitawase. He discussed plans involving Darby Lancaster and Corey Toole with Schmidt, indicating a focus on their specific attributes.
“Speed is crucial for us, and Darby and Corey probably offer higher top speeds compared to Mark,” Manenti explained. “But Mark brings other strengths to the table; he excels in aerial contests and possesses an effective offload game.”
Thus, while Nawaqanitawase’s immediate future in rugby union appears uncertain, the Roosters’ interest opens up a potential pathway for him in rugby league. His discussions about the Sevens team and the possibility of competing in the Paris Olympics suggest that his athletic versatility keeps him in consideration for multiple formats, despite not being a primary candidate in Manenti’s current plans. Whether transitioning to rugby league with the Roosters or potentially contributing to the Sevens team, Nawaqanitawase’s athletic journey remains a subject of keen interest and speculation.
