'Don't drop it': Star's nervous moment as Roosters celebrate in Bondi

The Sydney Roosters paid a night-time visit to Easts Bondi Junction to celebrate their NRL grand final victory. Mark Nawaqanitawase, hailed by his coach as "extraordinary," proudly displayed the Provan-Summons trophy to the jubilant fans. Nawaqanitawase, who is set to leave the NRL for a rugby career in Japan, showcased his exceptional skills as the game-changer in the Roosters' thrilling 19-18 win over the Knights.

With just moments left in the game, Nawaqanitawase was instructed to "don't drop it" as he hoisted the trophy above his head to the adoring crowd in Bondi. "Thank you every single one of you for supporting us all year, whether it's at home or away, or out at Homebush you guys turned up, supported us all year, so I can't thank you enough, let's celebrate well," said Roosters captain and Clive Churchill medallist James Tedesco.

Coach Trent Robinson praised the generational talent of Nawaqanitawase, anticipating the rugby-bound winger's return to the code. Nawaqanitawase's impressive two-try performance in the match extended his tally to 47 tries in 47 games. His previous performances for the Wallabies and Australia in rugby sevens have demonstrated his unique skill set and capacity.

The 26-year-old winger has risen to the occasion, outshining many in the NRL with Robinson expressing surprise at the impact a winger can have. "What Brett Morris did for us in 2019 was a memorable performance," Robinson recalled, "but Mark has done things from the wing in touching the ball in so many different types and styles. I hope he has created another generation of those types of players."

Nawaqanitawase's display in the grand final, including his left and right-foot soccer skills and a trademark left-foot step, left Robinson in awe. "It's extraordinary watching him play the game. When other people get the ball in the same situation, you kind of know what is going to happen, but when Mark gets it there is this energy that he can do something - always. He believes he can do it always. He does it with skill and carries it out of the backfield."