Should a former Wallaby really be in the running for NRL's rookie of the year?

The Age

2 days ago

Roosters fans will be more concerned about Nawaqanitawase staying put, rather than any water-cooler debate about his rookie-of-the-year credentials.
Herald colleague Iain Payten wrote about Rugby Australia potentially making a play to bring Nawaqanitawase home in time for the 2027 World Cup on home soil, once his Roosters deal expires at the end of 2026.
However, incoming Wallabies coach Les Kiss was cool on that prospect when he addressed it at a NSW Blues training session at Ballymore on Monday. 'I couldn't see it happening at this stage,' Kiss said.
'Someone like Marky is someone we'll always keep an eye on. But the truth is, he's in as good place at the moment to stay at the Roosters – I do know he's done well enough there for the Roosters to not let him go.'
As the young Roosters round out the weekend action at home to the Raiders, assistant coach Matt King said the Generation Next Chooks – excepting Nawaqanitawase – had been on the radar for several years.
'It's a story that has been three or four years in the making,' King said.'The club has been incredibly supportive of some absolute legends of the game as they've dealt with retirement, including Mitch Aubusson, Jake Friend, Boyd Cordner and Brett Morris. Their sole focus has been to develop the next crop.
'They've been patient. Nobody else knew what we had on our hands, but we did.'
King said Nawaqanitawase was just as impressive off the field as he was on it.
'I've got three young girls, and if one of them ever brings home a man like Marky Mark, I'll be happy as – he's such a good fella,' King said.
'He walked into and changed our environment, purely through the person he is. There's no ego. He finished at the Paris Olympics, and three weeks later he's playing [reserve grade] in Glebe in front of three people. He just got on with it. He's an incredible human.
'With Hugo, there are two things I have consistently seen in a good young half during my career, which is someone who makes their tackles, and someone who kicks the ball well. Cooper Cronk did just that when starting at Melbourne, and so did Adam Reynolds at Souths. Hugo is not only making all his tackles, he's consistently kicking the ball well to all areas of th field.
'And Rob's journey to the NRL has been filled with adversity because of two ACLs. He's clear on what makes a consistent NRL centre. He's got stuff like the two Joeys [Joey Suaalii and Manu] with the footy. We don't see it as consistently at the moment because he's so focused on his defence and shutting down his edge. But it will come.'
Dolphins winger Jack Bostock took top honours last year after new Bulldog Lachie Galvin was ineligible because of suspension, while Sunia Turuva beat his future Tigers teammate Jahream Bula in 2023.