Holbrook confirms interest in poaching Nawaqanitawase early amid backline shortage

Sydney Roosters assistant coach Justin Holbrook has openly declared his desire to see rugby union convert Mark Nawaqanitawase join the club immediately ahead of his 2025 move.

Nawaqanitawase confirmed at the end of 2023 that he would exit his current deal with Rugby Australia at the end of the year and swiftly signed with the Roosters – after Joseph Sua’ali’I went in the opposite direction.

The 23-year-old has since been left out of the most recent Wallabies squad and with just five months remaining on his current deal, it is seen as a real possibility that he may have played his final game in the code in Australia for the foreseeable future.

With the Roosters currently missing five outside backs due to injury and suspension, the potential of an early release for Nawaqanitawase has been floated and is something that Holbrook would be keen to see.

“If we could make that happen I think it would be terrific for Mark’s development in rugby league to get a kick start,” Holbrook said on SEN 1170 Afternoons.

“Instead of waiting for a full season, to get him for the backend of the season, that would be enormous if that was a chance of happening.

“Especially with how many backs we’ve lost at the minute, which is tough for us but every club faces it.

“We’re a bit sort of light on in the centres with the boys being suspended and Billy Smith injured and Robert Toia still not back from injury, so we’re a bit light on in the centres.”

Holbrook praised Nawaqanitawase’s versatility and athleticism as a player, giving Roosters fans plenty of hope for a bumper rookie season in 2025.

“I’m not too sure (who his current NRL comparison is), I’ve seen a lot of him play myself,” Holbrook added.

“Obviously he’s a big body and he’s quick, I think wherever he slots in the backline is going to be an asset for us but until we get him into training… we’ll sort of work it out after that.

“(He’s) very fast, he’s very athletic, which is where our game is centred now, we look at so many outside backs now and you’ve got to be able to do everything, carrying strong, score tries, make good decisions in defence, so you can’t just be one or the other, you have to have it all and he’s got those attributes.”