Dual-code winger Nawaqanitawase stars as Roosters win NRL Final
Mark Nawaqanitawase scores two tries in his last match before switching back to rugby union to help Sydney Roosters beat Newcastle Knights 19-18 in the NRL Grand Final.
In what was Mark Nawaqanitawase's final game before moving to play rugby union in Japan, the Sydney Roosters secured an 18-12 victory over the Newcastle Knights in the NRL Grand Final. Nawaqanitawase, a dual-code international winger, scored two tries, one in each half, to secure the win for his team. He played his final NRL match as a winger for the Sydney Roosters, after having previously spent four years playing union for the Super Rugby's Waratahs.
The Newcastle Knights, who had a chance to win their first title since 2001 and end a 71-year title drought, fought hard throughout the game, with Greg Marzhew scoring a late try to make it a one-point game. However, Roosters centre Billy Smith managed to score a try in the 47th minute to level the scores at 12-12, and Nawaqanitawase subsequently added his second try in the right corner, extending the lead to 18-12.
Despite the victory, Nawaqanitawase expressed his sadness at leaving the team, stating that this was the last chapter of his career and that he will cherish the win for the rest of his life. England is advised to take note, as the Wallabies' try magician is set to make a move to Japan.
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