'Freak' catches Wallabies' eyes before Bledisloe Cup battle
SPOTLIGHT: After marvelling at Mark Nawaqanitawase’s sparkling NRL grand final display, the Wallabies are adamant that he’ll help bring out the best in their team once he re-enters the Rugby Union fray.
The acrobatic winger scored two dazzling tries and chalked up 237 metres to help the Roosters claim a gutsy 19-18 victory against Newcastle on Sunday.
The premiership added another jewel in the crown of Nawaqanitawase’s remarkable Rugby League stint, in which he won a State of Origin series, represented Australia and was named a Dally M Winger of the Year in 2025.
Once the Tricolours celebrations end, the 26-year-old will return to the 15-man code and play for Japanese side Saitama Wild Knights.
He’ll be eyeing a Wallabies call-up ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup, although he faces tough competition from the side’s star-studded outside backs.
But prop Allan Alaalatoa, who was at the Wallabies grand final watch party in Auckland, said the Roosters star would be a “massive” addition to the code regardless of his Test status.
“He’s just been a freak. What he’s done in the last two years in league is probably unheard of,” Alaalatoa told reporters on Monday.
“When you’re adding that type of player into the squad, it automatically lifts the group, especially the boys who are in your same position.
“He will just naturally start demanding more from other people because of the type of competition that’s in the squad, and that only adds health to the group.”
Alaalatoa gushed over the 26-year-old’s aerial ability before adding that his win boosted the morale of the group as his Wallabies friends were happy to see him succeed.
The lifting of spirits come as the side is focused on producing a major upset in the first Bledisloe Cup Test at Eden Park on Saturday.
To add fuel to the Australians’ bitter fire, All Blacks mentor David Rennie will be coaching his first game against the Wallabies since he was sensationally axed from the Australian head coach role less than a year before the 2023 World Cup.
Rennie’s reunion is particularly special for Alaalatoa, considering he was one of the captains under his reign.
“He’s definitely got a lot of respect from a lot of the players in this environment,” the prop said.
“He debuted a large number of the boys that are playing now, who now have 20,30-odd caps.
“But like every game, you put that aside for 80 minutes … and then you probably take a moment to share a beer with him after.”
Riding high on a five-Test unbeaten streak, the Wallabies will be looking to continue their momentum as they aim to beat the Kiwis at Eden Park for the first time since 1986.
With only two matches in the series, Australia also know they must win on Saturday if they are to have a chance of securing their first Bledisloe Cup since 2002.
Uncapped lock/back-rower Toby Macpherson wasn’t even born when Australia last achieved that triumph.
“It [receiving a call-up] is a bit of a full circle moment … I was helping dad with a few jobs, and then got the call and found out,” the 22-year-old said.
“I’m certainly pinching myself at the fact that I’m here, with these boys and this group. I’m just really looking forward to getting stuck in and hopefully playing my part.”
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