'Why not ask more of a kid who has a ceiling that I think is almost infinite'
Rising star Mark Nawaqanitawase has only played three Test matches in Wallaby gold, but the talented winger is already being touted as a superstar of tomorrow – he’s been that good.
Nawaqanitawase’s rise to Wallaby gold is a story unlike any other, but it’s a testament to his brilliance on the field and his determination and passion off it.
While the 22-year-old wasn’t initially part of the Waratahs Super Rugby squad for this season, he went on to make his Test debut before the end of the year.
Australia has some truly talented outside backs including Suliasi Vunivalu, Andrew Kellaway and Jordan Petaia, but Nawaqanitawase has quickly emerged as Dave Rennie’s best options out wide.
Nawaqanitawase was one of the Wallabies’ best players during his international debut a few weeks ago against Italy, and he carried that form into his next two Test matches.
The Wallabies had their backs up against the wall against Wales last weekend, but the exciting winger was a catalyst for his side’s incredible comeback victory.
Australia were trailing one of their traditional rivals by 21 points midway through the second half, before Nawaqanitawase crossed for two tries in 10 minutes – and later was named the player of the match.
While the hype is well and truly real, the possible World Cup bolter has a big year ahead of him in 2023.
Speaking on Between Two Posts, Stan Sport commentator Sean Maloney said Nawaqanitawase has the potential to go “really far and take the game with him.”
“Let’s get into Marky Mark and this is always the thing, let’s not overhype him, let’s not talk him up too much,” Maloney said.
“Why not? Why not put pressure on, why not ask more of a kid who has a ceiling that I think is almost infinite at that level.
“There’s a responsibility somewhere inside either his circle or inside the Wallabies or Waratahs circle that manages that expectation and keeps it balanced.
“From a broadcast and media perspective you’ve got to latch onto guys like this because you know and I know and we all know that for so long now we’ve struggled to establish a wide range of household names.
“That’s factual, there’s no debating that outside of our own sport.
“He has the potential, the looks, the play to go really, really far and take the game with him.”
While the Wallabies were able to end their season with a win – thanks to Nawaqanitawase’s brilliance – their record this season hasn’t been great.
Australia have been competitive in a lot of Test matches against some very good teams, including thrilling losses to France and Ireland, but they’ve been unable to win consistently.
After beginning their season with a two-point win over rivals England in Perth, the men in gold lost six of their next eight internationals before heading to Europe.
But with the emergence of Nawaqanitawase, former Wallaby Morgan Turinui spoke about the possible backline that coach Dave Rennie may play next year.
“Think about it in your mind how that Wallaby backline will look to form next year. I could see him pushing over the right hand side with Marika Koroibete’s return,” Turinui said.
“I think he’ll play right wing at the Tahs, more time over there so he’s always been traditionally a right winger.
“I still think (Dave) Rennie will like (Nic) White but gee Tate (McDermott), a couple of times and some of the things that he does.
“Quade (Cooper) will be the 10, (Samu) Kerevi at 12, (Len) Ikitau at 12.”
Comments on RugbyPass
The value he brought to the crusaders as an assistant was equal to what he got out of being there. He reflected not only on the team culture but also the credit he attributed to the rugby community. Such experience shouldn’t be overlooked.
3 Go to commentsGood luck Aussie
10 Go to commentssmith at 9 / mounga 10 / laumape 12 / fainganuku 14
45 Go to commentsBar the injuries, it’s pretty much their top team …
2 Go to commentsDon’t disagree with much of this but it appears you forgot Rodda and Beale, who started at the Force on the weekend.
10 Go to commentsExcept for the injured Zach Gallagher this would be Saders best forward pack for the season. Blackadder needs to stay at 7, for all of Christies tackling he is not dominant and offers very little else. McNicholfullback is maybe a good option, Fihaki not really upto it, there was a reason Burke played there last year. Maybe Havilli to 2nd five McLeod to wing. Need a strong winger on 1 side to compliment Reece
1 Go to commentsTo me TJ is clearly the best 9 in the competition right now but he's also a proven player off the bench, there's few playmaking players who can come off the bench as calm and settled as he is, Beauden can, TJ can and I doubt any of the scrumhalves in contention can, if they want to experiment with new 9s I want him on the bench ready to step in if they crumble under the pressure. The Boks put their best front row on the bench, I'd like to see us take a similar approach, the Hurricanes have been doing similar things with players like Kirifi.
45 Go to commentsROG has better chance to win a WC if he starts training and make himself eligible as a player. He won’t make the Ireland squad but I reckon he may get close with Namibia (needs to improve his Afrikaans) or Portugal. Both sides had 1000:1 odds to win the RWC in 2023 which is an improvement on ROG’s odds of winning a RWC as a coach. Unlike Top 14 teams, national teams can’t go shopping and buy the best players - you work with the available talent pool and turn them into world beaters.
3 Go to commentsthat backline nope that backline is terrible why would you have sevu Reece when he’s not even top 5 wingers in the comp why have Blackadder when there’s better players no Scott barret isn’t an automatic the guy is more of a liability than anything why have him there when you have samipeni who’s far far better
45 Go to commentsAh, good to find you Nick. Agree with everything about Cale. So much to like about his game
51 Go to commentsNot too bad. Questions at 6, lock and HB for me. The ABs will be a lot stronger once Jordan and Roigard return. Also, work needs to be made to secure Frizzell back for next season and maybe also Mo’unga; they’re just wasting time playing in japan
45 Go to commentsOn the title, i wonder for many of those people it is a case something like a belief in working smarter, not harder?
1 Go to commentsForget Sotutu. One of those whose top level is Super Rugby. Id take a punt on Wallace Sititi Finau ahead of Glass body Blackadder.
45 Go to commentsI’m a pensioner so I've been around a bit. My opinion of SBW is he is an elite athlete and a great New Zealander and roll model. He has been to the top and knows what he's talking about. To all the negative comments regarding SBW the typical New Zealand way, cut that tall poppy down.
17 Go to commentsI'm not listening to a guy moralise over others when this is the guy who walked out mid season on Canterbury RLFC when he had a contract with them, what a hypocrite. All the Kiwis sticking up for this unprincipled individual because they can't accept justified criticism, he has zero credibility or integrity. Those praising him are a joke.
17 Go to commentsI’d put Finau at 6 instead of Blackadder but that’s the only change I’d make. Can’t wait to see who Razor picks.
45 Go to commentsTamati Williams, Codie Taylor, and Same Cane? Not sure about Hoskins Sotutu at test level. Wasn’t that impressive last season. Need a balance between experience and talent/youth.
45 Go to commentsInteresting insight. Fantastic athlete, and a genuine human being.
17 Go to commentsThey played at night in Suva last weekend and it’s an afternoon game forecast for 19 degrees in Canberra this weekend. Heat change is a non issue.
2 Go to commentsWishing Rosie a speedy recovery
1 Go to comments