Roosters recruit Mark Nawaqanitawase has declared he isn’t “part of a code war” after signing to make a cross-code change from rugby union.
The 23-year-old’s two-year contract with the Tricolours membership was confirmed on Thursday and the skin again will be a part of up along with his new membership in 2025.
Meanwhile, after the 2024 season younger gun Joseph Suaalii will head the opposite path after signing a mammoth $5 million contract with Rugby Australia.
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Speaking to the SMH, Nawaqanitawase rubbished claims Roosters powerbrokers signed him as a method to get again on the 15-man code.
“I’m not doing this code change in any way to have a crack at rugby,” he stated.
“I’m not some part of a code war, 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.”
Nawaqanitawase’s contract expires on the finish of 2026 and the Wallabies will participate within the 2027 World Cup on dwelling soil.
The gun flyer made it clear he wouldn’t rule out a return to rugby union forward of the event, however did say he expects to “fall in love” with rugby league.
“I’d be silly not to look at things in 2027 when it comes to rugby, but right now that is a long way down the track and a lot can happen in that time,” he stated.
“Of course, I wouldn’t rule anything out but, to be honest, the opportunity I’ve got right now is one that not many people my age could hope to get.”
Nawaqanitawase additionally heaped reward on each head coach Trent Robinson and membership supremo Nikc Politis throughout their negotiations.
He additionally believes he’ll develop as a participant underneath Robinson, utilizing winger Daniel Tupou as a chief instance.
“Well I look at what he did for the career of someone like Daniel Tupou,” Nawaqanitawase stated.
“He was in reserve grade at Parramatta, and now look at where he is with the Roosters. Same with James Tedesco when he came from the Tigers.”
Originally printed as ‘Not a crack at rugby’: Wallabies’ subsequent NRL convert rubbishes ‘code war’ claims
Source: www.news.com.au
