Mark Nawaqanitawase set to debut for Roosters in final-round clash with South Sydney

Mark Nawaqanitawase will make his NRL debut this weekend for the Sydney Roosters.

The former Wallabies flyer signed with the powerhouse club earlier this year, but was unavailable for selection due to his Olympics commitments with the rugby sevens team.

However, since returning to Australia, the 23-year-old has played three games in the NSW Cup competition and was named on the extended squad on Tuesday.

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According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Nawaqanitawase will run out onto the field for the Tricolours in the No.20 jumper on Friday night against arch-rivals South Sydney.

At this stage, it's not clear what position Nawaqanitawase will play, but star outside back Joseph Suaalii has been battling with a neck issue and could be given an extra week out of the side to help him get right for finals.

Nawaqanitawase had signed with the Chooks for the 2025 campaign last year, but was brought into the fold a few months earlier after his union commitments concluded.

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Trent Robinson's side has been hit by a spate of injuries on the eve of the finals, with key spine players Brandon Smith and Sam Walker both out due to ACL ruptures.

Victor Radley faces a nervous wait with a shoulder issue, while back-rower Nat Butcher is set to miss at least one week due to concussion.

Nawaqanitawase won't be the only debutant in the red, white and blue this weekend either, with hulking teenage prop De La Salle Va'a named on the bench.

Va'a graduated from Marcellin College last year and has progressed rapidly through the ranks at Bondi, earning a spot in the NSW Blues team for the U19s State of Origin and making his mark in the reserve grade competition this year.