Billy Slater believes the “freakish” type of Mark Nawaqanitawase might earn the Sydney Roosters star a call-up to the Kangaroos squad later this yr.
The 23-year-old has taken rugby league by storm over the previous yr, bringing his abilities throughout from rugby union and turning into a real family identify.
Nawaqanitawase has scored 16 tries, produced seven attempt assists and damaged 93 tackles in his first full season of NRL, serving to the new-look Chooks stand up the ladder.
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Alongside the way in which, the person dubbed “Marky Mark” by footy followers has provide you with extra spotlight reel performs than most gamers might provide you with of their whole careers.
His newest piece of brilliance – an unbelievable flick cross for teammate Robert Toia – despatched followers and consultants right into a frenzy, regardless of the aspect’s loss to Parramatta.
A type of admirers is Slater, who was in awe of the talent on show from the previous Wallabies flyer not solely on Saturday night time, however all year long.
“That was most likely the very best flick cross I’ve seen – it was a bullet,” the Maroons coach mentioned on 9’s The Billy Slater Podcast.
“He was going into contact and it hit Robert Toia on the chest and he simply fell over the road.
Mark Nawaqanitawase’s flick cross 9
“He is carried out some particular issues. He is a beautiful participant. I feel he is incredible, I like the way in which he performs. He is received nice strengths, he is good underneath the excessive ball and he is a giant, highly effective kind of get out of hassle participant as nicely.
“After they get it proper the Roosters, they unlock all this expertise on this footy group and he is definitely one. When he will get the ball, he can do some freakish issues.”
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Nawaqanitawase’s kind and the very fact the Roosters are closing in on a finals berth has seen a push for him to be included in Kevin Walters‘ squad for the Ashes sequence develop.
Whereas there are many different exterior backs who might earn choice, the real X-factor and game-breaking skill that Nawaqanitawase possesses is hard to miss.
Mark Nawaqanitawase Getty
Slater believes it is solely a matter of time earlier than Nawaqanitawase is on the most important stage.
“I get the sensation that the Roosters jersey is not the one one he is gonna be sporting within the subsequent couple of years,” Slater mentioned.
“I feel he is gonna be sporting a few different jerseys – perhaps a inexperienced and gold one on the finish of the yr.”
Ought to he earn a debut for the Kangaroos, he would be part of the likes of Wendell Sailor, Lote Tuqiri, Mat Rogers and Israel Folau as dual-code internationals for Australia.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Sonny Invoice Williams and Sam Burgess have additionally performed on the worldwide stage in each league and union.
