The Sydney Roosters won’t rush rugby convert Mark Nawaqanitawase into the NRL this year, even if his contract is approved at the final hour by head office.
The Roosters have until 5pm on Monday to register Nawaqanitawase’s contract for this season with the NRL, as they work through several complexities.
Nawaqanitawase is already signed with the Roosters for next season, but is expected to be selected for Australia to play rugby sevens at the Olympics.
Mark Nawaqanitawase (Jason McCawley/Getty Images)
The Roosters are keen to bring him into their squad after the men’s final in Paris on July 27, but his deal must be registered before Monday’s mid-season deadline.
That would mean the NRL would have to register the 23-year-old’s deal before it is activated, or otherwise allow the winger to hold two contracts at once.
Nawaqanitawase would also need to be released early by Rugby Australia.
The situation comes as the Roosters battle with an outside back shortage, with Joey Manu set to miss a month after suffering a broken hand on Sunday night.
Regardless, coach Trent Robinson said Nawaqanitawase would not be part of this year’s top-four assault, and his early arrival at Bondi would be to prepare for 2025.
“We’re hopeful of getting that through,” Robinson said.
“It’s more to get the ability to get him going.
“I haven’t got an NRL focus for him. I have a transition into rugby league focus and getting training if possible, and playing some reserve grade would be ideal.
“Then it’s up to him how he adapts. But the focus is definitely not NRL. It’s not next week.”
If Nawaqanitawase was to arrive mid-season, he would likely be able to play a maximum of four games in NSW Cup to round out the year.
That would also depend on how quickly the Roosters wanted to get him on the field, after adjusting to the 13-man game in training.
“We’ve got a spot (in the NRL top-30 squad available to do that),” Robinson said.
“Just to get his feet on the ground and get some understanding, and get a really good view for the pre-season, so it’s like ‘when I did this or that, I should have moved here’.
“That would really help us adapt through the pre-season for him.”
The Roosters also confirmed on Monday morning that Manu would undergo surgery on two fractures in his left hand.
He will miss close to a month of football, before returning for the Tricolours’ run into the finals.
© AAP