Mark Nawaqanitawase announces NRL arrival with stunning try on Roosters debut
Barely a month ago, Mark Nawaqanitawase was at the Paris Olympics playing sevens rugby.
On Friday night, he'll go to bed an NRL try scorer, having scored the opener on his debut for the Roosters in their 36-28 win over the Rabbitohs.
'Marky Mark' announced his NRL arrival barely 10 minutes into his debut, soaring high above Bunnies winger Tyrone Munro to score.
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"We watched Will Warbrick come across from sevens rugby, and (he) does an incredible job in the air," Brad Fittler said in commentary for Nine.
"You knew as soon the ball was in the air, something special was about to happen.
Mark Nawaqanitawase flew above Tyrone Munro to score for the Roosters against Souths. Getty
"He timed his run perfectly ... that was beautiful."
Nawaqanitawase is no stranger to league, having played it as a junior. He was even signed to the Roosters development program before making the switch to the 15-man game.
"It is very special, I'm very grateful to be able to run out against the Bunnies as well – such a successful club," Nawaqanitawase told Nine after the match.
"To do it for the Roosters, I'm quite proud and stoked to get the victory."
The Roosters centre had a massive crowd dominating a corner of Accor Stadium, with a series of blokes spelling out his name on their chests.
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"I had about 100 tickets tonight (but) I think there were definitely more," he said.
"Very grateful to (debut) in front of my family."
Against a second-string Roosters outfit, the Bunnies looked like they were going to make a game of it, trailing only 14-10 at half time.
Although the final margin was only eight points, that was as good as it got for the Bunnies.
The Rabbitohs scored two tries in three minutes and looked to have a third before it was denied by the Bunker for an obstruction.
Playing his last game for the Rabbitohs, Tom Burgess scored a late consolation try - and then booted one of the all-time ugly conversions.
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