Olympian Mark Nawaqanitawase is closing in on an NRL debut after being selected on an extended Roosters bench on Tuesday. Named in jersey No.22, the strongly built winger has impressed in his first two matches in NSW Cup after joining the club fresh from representing Australia in rugby sevens at the Paris Games.
In his second game for the Roosters last Sunday, Nawaqanitawase leapt high to defuse a bomb on his try line then made a long and incisive run in which he beat several North Sydney defenders. In just one play, Nawaqanitawase showcased the aerial ability, speed and evasiveness that prompted the Roosters to invest in the former Wallaby. Ironically, a debut could come at the expense of a cross-code star going the other way, Joseph Suaalii, who is out indefinitely with a neck injury.
While the returning Michael Jennings has been named to take on the Raiders this Sunday, Nawaqanitawase may be blooded against the Rabbitohs the following week. The former Wallaby isn’t the only intriguing extended bench selection when round 26 teams were named. Nicho Hynes has also been named in jersey No.
22 for Cronulla’s clash against the Warriors, prompting speculation that he could be making a sooner-than expected return from injury. “He’s available for selection ..
. as far as I know, he’s a chance,” said Cronulla teammate Cameron McInnes. Mark Nawaqanitawase in action in his first game for the Roosters, against Canterbury in NSW Cup.
Credit: Dion Georgopoulos “Whether he pla.