Simple Question: Mark Nawaquanitawase Yes or No?

[Thirteen]

THE HATE IS REAL

Outstanding Sydney Roosters centre Mark Nawaqanitawase has been denied the chance to win this year’s NRL rookie of the year award.

The ARL Commission this week changed the eligibility rules, which state a player is only a rookie if they have played less than five professional matches in any sporting code – not just the NRL.

I don’t mind the rule. I do though mind that they’ve changed it at this stage of the season. Typical NRL.

[roosterproud]

Like i said. The hate is real.
not a fan of the rule. What if Mark was a swimmer or sokka player or even basketball

[roosterproud]

He is a rookie to the nrl

[HDTONE]

Imo bullshit at this point. Keep proving it on the field Marky

[SupermanSupportsEasts4Eva]

Improving his defence and getting better under the high ball are things Marky can work on and develop. His freakish ability in attack is a skill that can't be taught.

[dice]

Whilst we are a chance to win a premiership then I would want the best 17 players on the field including Marky.

It must be some serious money being thrown to entice him back to playing against 0 metres and 15 defenders.

[Inflictor]

It was good to see the Wallabies win.
He won't fit into that team.

[caz]

He is a rookie to the nrl

lawyer's logic. he's not a rookie. why should a bloke who's in his mid-20s and been a professional for years be competing with rob toia for rookie of the year? chalk and cheese.

[Chicken.Little]

It was good to see the Wallabies win.
He won't fit into that team.

Actually they need another winger. Jorgenson is a talent and would do well in the NRL.

[ism22]

We were paying Suaalii $750k a season - Mark is worth that, hope he stays...

I feel Mark N's keen to earn his money whereas Sua'ali'i got given the red carpet treatment on hype/reputation. Not saying he was shyte but he wasn't single handedly scoring solo tries outta nowhere. Rather, he was a talented kid still learning the trade...

IMO he's no better than Toia and Mark N.

[bondi.boy]

No!
Put a contract for 2027 and beyond in front of him.
If he won't sign it now, move him on after this season.

We wasted 2 years on Suaalii, then he took off to Union.
We can't afford to waste time on Marky.
He either shows he wants to play for us or he doesn't.
If he doesn't, there's no point in keeping him.

Sandon Smith is a quality player now, and is improving all the time.
Buy DCE at 6, Walker plays 7.
What happens if they both get injured and Sandon has departed?
We have no topline goalkicker.
No specialist 6.

Ever see DCE make a line break very often?
Ever see him run much?
I see him mostly playing dummy half and passing the ball.

[Steggles]

No!
Put a contract for 2027 and beyond in front of him.
If he won't sign it now, move him on after this season.

We wasted 2 years on Suaalii, then he took off to Union.
We can't afford to waste time on Marky.
He either shows he wants to play for us or he doesn't.
If he doesn't, there's no point in keeping him.

Sandon Smith is a quality player now, and is improving all the time.
Buy DCE at 6, Walker plays 7.
What happens if they both get injured and Sandon has departed?
We have no topline goalkicker.
No specialist 6.

Ever see DCE make a line break very often?
Ever see him run much?
I see him mostly playing dummy half and passing the ball.

Yet another DCE thread.

[HunchoRooster]

I get why they’ve changed the rule for Marky but as always NRL officials look like dunces with their reactionary approach. Should’ve done it at the start of the year given he was always a chance of carving up.

I can see the reason though. Marky has played and scored at a RWC which is a bigger stage than nearly every NRL game bar a grand final, so to call him a rookie is funny when it’s meant to be for 20 year old kids.

[Billy Gunn]

I don't believe it is a simple decision as coming from Union I'm sure playing in the world cup would have been a goal of his. Rugby Australia weren't interested in Mark when he left but now that he has both codes talking, he has to make a choice between the codes. I have a feeling that the difference between the amount we will be prepared to pay and what RA will offer will be massive.

I'm happy to see him stay if he is leaving unless we can find a comparable replacement for 2026.

[Inflictor]

I don't believe it is a simple decision as coming from Union I'm sure playing in the world cup would have been a goal of his. Rugby Australia weren't interested in Mark when he left but now that he has both codes talking, he has to make a choice between the codes. I have a feeling that the difference between the amount we will be prepared to pay and what RA will offer will be massive.

I'm happy to see him stay if he is leaving unless we can find a comparable replacement for 2026.

I doubt the ARU will offer Marky NRL money. I doubt he makes the current Wallabies line up tbh.
There was a massive stir when Joey signed on for $5M+ for 3 years.
I can't see Marky getting anywhere near that. From what I could find the current Wallabies outside back Max Jorgenson is on $1.6M over 3 years.
Marky's manager asked us for $750K a few months ago to extend 2 years before it was put on hold.
I can't see the ARU matching that unless he was a walk in for the Wallabies and even then that is much higher than some of the current players.
My biggest concern is with Perth and if the Saudis target him.