Mark Nawaqanitawase

2024 - 9 - 7

From Wallabies to Wonder: Mark Nawaqanitawase’s NRL Debut Steals the Show!

Australia - Israel Folau - Mark Nawaqanitawase - NRL - Paris Olympics - Rugby League - Rugby Union - Sydney Roosters - Trent Robinson - Tyrone Munro

Mark Nawaqanitawase makes spectacular headlines with his NRL debut, scoring a try that has fans raving! Could he be the next big thing?

Mark Nawaqanitawase, the former Wallaby who recently made his grand switch from rugby union to rugby league, has instantly become the talk of the town after a stunning try on his National Rugby League (NRL) debut. In a match against the South Sydney Rabbitohs, he managed to steal the spotlight just seven minutes into the game, leaving commentators and fans alike drawing comparisons to the legendary Israel Folau. With his impressive performance, Nawaqanitawase has not only made a name for himself but has also reignited discussions about cross-code athletes taking the field and making an impact.

The excitement was palpable as the Roosters’ crowd erupted in cheers when Nawaqanitawase soared above Tyrone Munro to deliver an eye-popping opening try. This wasn’t just any debut; it was a showcase of raw talent and athleticism, reminiscent of Folau’s own feats on the field. Roosters’ head coach Trent Robinson and star player James Tedesco couldn’t help but express their admiration for the new recruit’s dazzling performance. "He showed immense potential tonight, and I believe this is just the beginning for him," Robinson said after the match, fueling the hype surrounding Nawaqanitawase.

However, the road to the NRL wasn’t simple for this 11-Test former Wallaby. Just a few weeks prior, he was competing at the Paris Olympics playing sevens rugby, demonstrating his extraordinary versatility as an athlete. Transitioning from rugby union to rugby league is no small feat, and the pressures of high expectations can be daunting. Yet, he embraced the challenge with open arms and proved to be a worthwhile addition to the Roosters’ lineup.

With a remarkable debut already in the books, one wonders what more Nawaqanitawase will bring as the season unfolds. The rugby community eagerly watches as he develops his league play, hoping to witness more breathtaking moments like his debut try.

Did you know? Mark Nawaqanitawase not only has a history with the Wallabies but has also showcased his talent on various international stages, making this leap to the NRL one that is drawing attention globally! And speaking of Folau, he made waves in both rugby codes as well, demonstrating just how thrilling the game can be when talent knows no bounds!

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Image courtesy of "RugbyPass"

Watch: Ex-Wallaby Mark Nawaqanitawase compared to Folau after ... (RugbyPass)

Mark Nawaqanitawase has drawn comparisons to fellow code-hopper Israel Folau after scoring an incredible try on his NRL debut.

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Image courtesy of "Fox Sports"

'Huge loss' for rugby hits home in just seven minutes as Roosters ... (Fox Sports)

'Huge loss' for rugby hits home in just seven minutes as Roosters' convert nails 'astonishing' try.

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Image courtesy of "NRL.COM"

Mark Nawaqanitawase Try (NRL.COM)

National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future.

WATCH: 'Israel Folau-like': Mark Nawaqanitawase opens NRL ... (The Roar)

Playing his first game in the NRL for the Roosters he was the first try-scorer against the Roosters - and his fans went crazy…

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Image courtesy of "Wide World of Sports"

NRL news 2024: Mark Nawaqanitawase scores on debut, South ... (Wide World of Sports)

Mark Nawaqanitawase was at the Paris Olympics playing sevens rugby but will go to bed on Friday night as an NRL try-scorer after a stunning debut.

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Image courtesy of "The Sydney Morning Herald"

Nawaqanitawase's stunning debut just the cure to Roosters week ... (The Sydney Morning Herald)

Within seven minutes, the 11-Test ex-Wallaby shone oh so bright in the NRL spotlight, leaping above Tyrone Munro to score a spectacular opening try.

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Image courtesy of "The Cairns Post"

Nawaqanitawase scores STUNNER on debut (The Cairns Post)

NRL: Rugby Union convert Mark Nawaqanitawase has opened the scoring in sensational fashion against the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the final round of the 2024 ...

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Image courtesy of "NT News"

Robbo impressed by Nawaqanitawase debut (NT News)

NRL: Trent Robinson and James Tedesco were full of praises for Roosters cross-code debutant Mark Nawaqanitawase in their post match press conference aftre ...

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Image courtesy of "NT News"

Nawaqanitawase scores STUNNER on debut (NT News)

NRL: Rugby Union convert Mark Nawaqanitawase has opened the scoring in sensational fashion against the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the final round of the 2024 ...

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Image courtesy of "Nine"

NRL news 2024: Mark Nawaqanitawase scores on debut, South ... (Nine)

Mark Nawaqanitawase was at the Paris Olympics playing sevens rugby but will go to bed on Friday night as an NRL try-scorer after a stunning debut.

Roosters coach Trent Robinson has applauded former Wallaby ... (NZCity)

The winger - who joined the tricolours after playing for the Australian sevens team at the Paris Olympics - scored a try with his second touch of the ball ...

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Image courtesy of "The Roar"

Marky Mark's debut: Big moments from Mark Nawaqanitawase's first ... (The Roar)

The former Wallaby had a try and some big aerial moments in the Roosters' win over Souths, but the league convert may need to…

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Image courtesy of "The Sydney Morning Herald"

'Mum wasn't keen on league': Why Marky Mark's biggest fan doubted ... (The Sydney Morning Herald)

The former Wallabies star turned prized Roosters recruit hopes his stunning aerial debut was enough to convince his mum too. Fiona Tovehi led the wrangling of ...

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Image courtesy of "The Australian"

Rugby convert faces toughest NRL test (The Australian)

'She wasn't very keen on me playing league': Mark Nawaqanitawase hopes debut try can change his mum's mind on the NRL. Mark Nawaqanitawase already has Roosters ...

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Image courtesy of "Zero Tackle"

“That's Israel Folau-like": Mark Nawaqanitawase scores with his ... (Zero Tackle)

The Roosters are still title-contenders and they've unearthed another superstar - a rugby union convert.

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Image courtesy of "NEWS.com.au"

Rugby convert faces toughest NRL test (NEWS.com.au)

It took Mark Nawaqanitawase just six minutes to show footy fans what all the hype was about, but he needs a bit more time to convince one important person ...

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Image courtesy of "planetrugby.com"

Former Wallaby Mark Nawaqanitawase touted to be HUGE league ... (planetrugby.com)

Former Wallabies and Olympic Sevens star Mark Nawaqanitawase has continued his fine start to life in rugby league, marking his full NRL debut with a try.

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