Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson has opened the door for a cross-code raid on more rugby talent after being blown away by Mark Nawaqanitawase’s stunning transition.
Nawaqanitawase’s spectacular hat-trick, a week after bagging four tries against the Melbourne Storm, overshadowed a vintage display from Dally M Medal favourite James Tedesco in the Roosters’ finals-clinching 36-6 derby win over South Sydney.
Even Robinson could not have predicted how swiftly the former Wallabies winger would rise to be on the cusp of becoming Australia’s dual international on the Kangaroos’ tour of the UK this year.
With 24 four-pointers in 23 games in his first full season since switching from rugby, the 24-year-old is the competition’s leading try-scorer.
“I don’t think it’s surprising him scoring the tries. We saw his ability,” Robinson said.
“It’s been his desire to pick up the whole game of rugby league.
“Rugby league people, I like to think we’re unique and we’re tougher than the other sport and all of that, but I mean this guy’s come across and it’s a credit to him.
“There’s some things that we can learn from the freedom of their (the Wallabies’) play, and if any other ones want to come over, then they’re more than welcome, because I do think we get to exhibit the skills that they get to practise sometimes a bit more.
“But he’s been able to do the attrition part and he’s been able to do the freedom part.”
Robinson inviting more rugby talent to the 13-a-side code comes ahead of former Wallabies playmaker Carter Gordon’s starting debut for the Gold Coast Titans, and after former sevens star Nathan Lawson’s introduction at St George Illawarra this season.
But the triple premiership-winning coach’s immediate focus is on guiding the Roosters to a historic title from outside the top four.
His side’s stirring victory over the Rabbitohs ensured the Roosters will finish seventh or eighth and face either the Warriors or Cronulla in a do-or-die finals encounter next weekend.
“I think a couple of people thought we could do something, this year, and we’re improving,” Robinson said.
“We haven’t got to the top of the mountain yet on where we want to go. I feel like we’re physically in a good shape. We know our style and we’re continuing to improve on that.
“We keep talking about improvements. We’re not trying to hold on to anything.
“We are putting the foot down and we’re trying to get to our best footy this year.”
