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FWC on Sport Nation guidePrep for decider more intense than Olympics
Jasper Bruce, AAP •  July 6th, 2026 4:00 pm
This week's decider in Brisbane could be Mark Nawaqanitawase's second and final Origin match | Photo: Steven Markham/AAP
NSW winger Mark Nawaqanitawase says the week leading into a State of Origin decider is more intense than preparing for an Olympic Games.
The rugby union-bound winger will add a second - and possibly final - Origin cap to his impressive CV at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night.
Two years ago to the day, Nawaqanitawase arrived in Paris to play rugby sevens for Australia, then joined the NRL's Sydney Roosters weeks after the Olympic team's fourth-placed finish.
Mark Nawaqanitawase represented Australia in rugby sevens at the Paris Olympics | Photo: Iain McGregor/AAP
Had he been told his rugby league sojourn would include playing in the 2026 Origin decider, Nawaqanitawase would scarcely have believed it.
"Everything's kind of just gone above and beyond," he said.
"I'm just grateful to be here. It's crazy to be here and to see how far I've come."
Having made his NSW debut in the game-two loss at the MCG, Nawaqanitawase is one of two Blues starters featuring in their first game-three decider.
The versatile Mark Nawaqanitawase marked his State of Origin debut with a try for the Blues | Photo: James Ross/AAP
"I've just got to enjoy every moment that I can. It doesn't last forever. Obviously, I want to make sure I leave everything out there," he said.
Nawaqanitawase has some idea about what to expect, finding similarities between the anticipation of an Olympics and an Origin decider.
"(It's) similar, in terms of the amount of people getting around it," he said.
"(An Origin decider) is a bit more intense because it's a short week and it happens very quickly.
"But just being at the stadium, at the MCG, and where I was at the Stade de France, it was pretty similar, just how loud it is.
"It's amazing to run out to and to play in front of."
Nawaqanitawase's roller-coaster cross-code career continues with a lucrative move to Japanese rugby union outfit Saitama Wild Knights for their 2026/27 season.
In media comments over the weekend, chairman Nick Politis reiterated the Roosters' hopes of luring Nawaqanitawase back to the NRL after his deal expires in 2028.
Nawaqanitawase said playing Origin had definitely made him think more about an NRL return in the future.
Mark Nawaqanitawase has thoroughly enjoyed being part of the Blues' State of Origin campaign | Photo: Joel Carrett/AAP
"To be here and feel it, it's very enticing, but it's a long way away. We'll see," he said.
"It's just too far away to tell right now, but always grateful to (Politis) and the Roosters for their love and support and continuing to show their love and support.
"We'll see what happens."
Tune into Sport Nation for live commentary of State of Origin III: The Decider on July 8 - available on all NZ frequencies and the app.
