🚨 “He Belongs At Origin Level” — Mark Nawaqanitawase Is Rapidly Becoming The Biggest Story In The NRL

Mark Nawaqanitawase is no longer just an exciting rugby union convert trying to survive in the NRL. The Sydney Roosters star is now becoming one of the most talked-about names in Australian rugby league after another explosive performance that has completely changed the conversation surrounding his future.

Only months ago, many critics questioned whether the former Wallabies outside back would even be able to adapt to the brutal speed and physicality of rugby league. Some believed the transition would take years. Others quietly doubted whether it would ever truly work at all.

Now, those same doubts are beginning to disappear.

Following his stunning return from injury against the Canberra Raiders, Nawaqanitawase has suddenly emerged as a genuine State of Origin candidate for the New South Wales Blues — a possibility that seemed almost unrealistic not long ago.

The 25-year-old delivered one of the performances of the round as he scored a hat-trick, ran for more than 180 metres, and terrorised Canberra’s edge defence throughout the match. Every time he touched the football, the atmosphere inside the stadium changed.

What shocked many experts most was not simply the statistics.

It was how naturally he looked playing rugby league.

From his positioning and timing to his decision-making under pressure, Nawaqanitawase played with the confidence and instincts of someone who looked born for the NRL stage. There was no hesitation in his game. No fear. No signs of a player still learning a new code.

Instead, there was dominance.

The scary part for rival clubs is that people inside the Roosters reportedly believe he is still only scratching the surface of his potential.

Nawaqanitawase’s rapid rise becomes even more remarkable when considering the difficult months he recently endured. Earlier this season, the powerful outside back underwent ankle surgery after suffering a frustrating injury setback that temporarily halted his momentum.

At the time, there were concerns regarding how quickly he would recover and whether the injury could interrupt his development during such an important transition phase between rugby union and rugby league.

Instead, his comeback has looked almost unbelievable.

According to reports, Nawaqanitawase was able to walk on the same day as his surgery and described the recovery process as something close to a “medical miracle.” He also credited his family — especially his mother — for helping him mentally and physically during the toughest stages of rehabilitation.

That emotional support appears to have strengthened him.

People around the Roosters have privately praised not only his athletic gifts, but also the professionalism and humility he has brought into the squad since arriving at the club. Several teammates reportedly admire how quickly he has embraced the demanding standards expected inside one of the NRL’s biggest organisations.

Roosters head coach Trent Robinson has also made it clear how highly the club values the former Wallabies star.

While Robinson has tried to avoid adding extra pressure publicly, sources close to the club suggest there is growing excitement internally regarding just how high Nawaqanitawase’s ceiling could become if his development continues at this speed.

Even Roosters captain James Tedesco has reportedly been hugely impressed.

According to people around the team, Tedesco recently made a backstage comment regarding Nawaqanitawase’s athletic ability and composure that immediately fuelled further State of Origin speculation among players and staff.

That speculation is no longer coming only from fans.

A growing number of rugby league analysts now believe New South Wales selectors may soon face an extremely difficult decision regarding whether they can realistically leave him out of future Origin squads if his form continues improving.

And this is where the story becomes truly fascinating.

State of Origin is traditionally viewed as the highest and most brutal level of rugby league in Australia. It is a stage built on aggression, resilience, pressure, and experience. Historically, players crossing over from rugby union often require long adjustment periods before being trusted at that level.

Yet Nawaqanitawase’s adaptation has happened at extraordinary speed.

Many supporters are already comparing his impact to some of the most successful cross-code athletes Australian rugby has ever produced. The combination of elite athleticism, aerial ability, footwork, and confidence has created a player who suddenly looks capable of changing matches within seconds.

The timing could not be more important for New South Wales either.

The Blues are constantly searching for game-breaking outside backs capable of producing moments of magic under Origin pressure. Nawaqanitawase’s physical profile and fearless playing style seem perfectly suited for that environment.

However, not everyone is fully convinced just yet.

Some former players still believe there is a significant difference between performing strongly in regular NRL fixtures and handling the emotional intensity of State of Origin football. Others argue that defensive systems and tactical discipline at Origin level could expose areas of his game that are still developing.

But even many sceptics admit one thing:

The ceiling is frighteningly high.

What makes Nawaqanitawase even more dangerous is his background in rugby union and sevens rugby. His experience playing internationally against elite athletes appears to have accelerated his comfort level under pressure situations.

Rather than looking overwhelmed by the spotlight, he seems to thrive within it.

Fans have also quickly embraced him.

Social media exploded following his performance against Canberra, with countless supporters demanding immediate Origin consideration. Some fans even claimed the Roosters may have quietly pulled off one of the smartest recruitment moves of the modern NRL era.

That idea no longer sounds ridiculous.

For years, rugby league clubs have attempted to recruit elite rugby union talent hoping they could replicate their athletic gifts in a different code. Very few transitions have looked this smooth, this natural, or this explosive so early into a player’s NRL journey.

And perhaps the most dangerous reality for the rest of the competition is this:

Mark Nawaqanitawase still looks like a player learning every single week.

If his confidence continues growing and his understanding of rugby league systems keeps improving, the Roosters may have discovered a genuine superstar capable of dominating the NRL for years to come.

Right now, the conversation is no longer about whether Mark belongs in rugby league.

The conversation is becoming whether rugby league is about to witness the rise of its next elite superstar.

And if his current trajectory continues, New South Wales selectors may soon have no choice but to hand him the biggest opportunity of his career.