Mark Nawaqanitawase, known as Marky Mark, has made a significant debut in rugby league with the Sydney Roosters. The 23-year-old showed great promise in his first senior rugby league match, scoring a try during the NSW Cup game against Canterbury at Wentworth Park on Sunday.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson, chairman Nick Politis, and players Angus Crichton and Sam Walker were present to witness the debut, which took place in front of a modest crowd of about 200 spectators, a stark contrast to the 70,000 who watched him during Australia’s Olympics quarter-final at Stade de France.
Nawaqanitawase was energetic and engaged throughout the match, with a standout moment coming late in the game when he executed a well-timed run to score a try. He also played a key role just before full-time, leading a break that set up a potential match-winning field goal for his team.
In a standout first-half play, he displayed quick reflexes by catching a high ball and passing to a teammate in one fluid motion. Despite being tackled after collecting a loose pass, Nawaqanitawase quickly got back to his feet, demonstrating his determination on the field.