Cricket
Love Racing
League
Rugby
Motorsport
Football
Golf
Combat Sports
Basketball
Netball
Other Sports
Sport Nation
Find your Sport Nation frequencyMark my words: Suaalii tips Roosters star to reach top
Joel Gould, AAP • July 15th, 2025 8:09 am
Sydney Roosters star Mark Nawaqanitawase is on track to become a dual international | Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP
Wallabies gun Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has tipped former Sydney Roosters teammate Mark Nawaqanitawase to follow in his footsteps and become a dual international.
Nawaqanitawase, a former Wallaby, made the code switch in the opposite direction to former Samoa rugby league international Suaalii and has been a revelation for the Roosters, with his skill-set lighting up the NRL.
The 24-year-old is a hot tip to be called up for the Fiji Bati in the Pacific Championships at the end of the year, and could also be in the mix to make a choice between the Bati and Australia if his form continues to rise.
Suaalii was speaking ahead of the Test match against the British and Irish Lions when asked about the man they all call "Marky Mark" and his Test credentials in rugby league.
"Yeah, one hundred per cent. I feel like whatever he wants to do in his life, he can do it," Suaalii said.
"You can see his athletic ability, his natural instinct, the way he can offload and run the ball.
"There's all these different things he can do on a league and rugby field, so the sky's the limit for Marky Mark."
The Roosters are in the top eight and finding form at the right end of the season.
Nawaqanitawase has been integral in their rise at either centre or wing, with 13 tries and 14 line-breaks in 14 matches.
While long-shots to win the premiership this year, Suaalii was bullish when asked if they could go all the way.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is set to fire for the Wallabies and is tipping success for the Roosters | Photo: Jono Searle/AAP
"I'm still supporting my Roosters boys, and they've been coming along really well with Sam Walker back as well, so yeah, I do believe Marky can help the team get there," he said.
"I had the pleasure of playing one game with him (at the Roosters in 2024) and he's picking up the game so quickly.
"I think the greatest thing he has is he wants to learn and he's a quick learner too. Honestly, it looks seamless the way he's doing it."
Injured Gold Coast recruit Carter Gordon is drawing inspiration from his former Wallabies teammate as he makes his way back from a serious spinal injury that has prevented him playing any NRL this year.
"I played a lot of rugby with Mark. He is an athlete," Gordon told AAP.
"I feel like I knew he was always going to do well based on his skill, size, speed and strength. Seeing him go out and play well has been inspirational, and that is what I aim to do when I get back as well."
