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 plays or not this week, I just want to give him a wrap because during a time in the season when we weren’t performing to our capabilities, I feel he took a lot of bullets for everyone ...
when he gets back on the field he will have nothing but support from all of us because we owe that to him.” So, too, Payne Haas, another superstar named in jersey No.22 as the Broncos attempt to keep their season alive in the Battle of Brisbane against the Dolphins.
Haas suffered a lisfranc injury but could be back sooner than expected, for a game where the loser’s season is over. There could be several other notable inclusions: NSW centre Bradman Best returns from the hamstring injury he suffered in round 20; Jeremiah Nanai (concussion protocols) and Jason Taumalolo (cheekbone) return for the Cowboys; Tevita Pangai junior (hamstring) and Jeremy Marshall-King (foot) are a chance for the Cowboys; and Raymond Faitala-Mariner has been promoted from NSW Cup. While some teams are rushing back key players for a finals push, Melbourne have the luxury of giving their big names the night off.
With the minor premiership wrapped up, the Storm will rest Jahrome Hughes, Harry Grant, Will Warbrick, Jack Howarth, Nick Meaney, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Josh King, Shawn Blore, Eli Katoa, Trent Loiero and Tui Kamikamica for Thursday’s clash with North Queensland. Coach Craig Bellamy will hand debuts to Keagan Russell-Smith, Tristan Powell and Ativalu Lisati, while young gun Sualauvi Faalogo will start on the wing. Sports news, results and expert commentary.
Sign up for our Sport newsletter . NRL is Live and Free on Channel 9 & 9Now Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. License this article NRL 2024 Sydney Roosters Adrian Proszenko is the Chief Rugby League Reporter for the Sydney Morning Herald.
Connect via Twitter or email . Most Viewed in Sport Loading.
