Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson has laid out a strategic roadmap for cross-code star Mark Nawaqanitawase as he prepares to join the NRL club’s roster for the 2025 season. The versatile athlete, who secured an early release from his Rugby Australia contract this week, will first represent Australia in Rugby Sevens at the Paris 2024 Olympics before making his foray into professional rugby league.
Robinson emphasized that Nawaqanitawase’s initial focus will not be on NRL appearances but rather on acclimating to the demands of rugby league through training and potential reserve grade matches.
“I haven’t got an NRL focus for him. I’ve got a transition into rugby league focus,” Robinson explained. “Getting him training and playing some reserve grade matches would be ideal. There’s not any view of NRL any time soon.”
The Roosters mentor underscored the importance of Nawaqanitawase gaining experience and understanding of the nuances of rugby league, suggesting that his development trajectory will inform decisions leading up to the pre-season.
Nawaqanitawase, a prominent figure in Australian rugby union with 11 Wallabies caps and extensive NSW Waratahs experience, expressed his enthusiasm for the new challenge despite recent omissions from the national team. In an earlier interview, he clarified his motivations for switching codes, emphasizing his genuine passion for rugby league and the opportunity to join a prestigious club like the Roosters.
“I’m not doing this code change in any way to have a crack at rugby,” Nawaqanitawase stated. “I’m just doing what is right for me right now, and the opportunity at this young age to play for a club like the Roosters is something that I could not knock back.”
As he prepares to embark on this new chapter, Nawaqanitawase’s journey from Rugby Sevens at the Olympics to the Sydney Roosters promises to be a compelling narrative in the upcoming NRL season. His transition underscores the growing trend of cross-code athletes exploring new opportunities in different sporting arenas, showcasing the Roosters’ commitment to nurturing talent and integrating diverse skill sets into their squad.