Unbeknownst to him at the time, Mark Nawaqanitawase’s Olympic Sevens campaign served as a send-off for both rugby union and a significant individual in his life.
Weeks after finishing his rugby duties at the Olympics in Paris, the Roosters recruit made his Bondi Junction debut last weekend. Had it not been for the passing of his stepfather, Aisake Tovehi—a man Nawaqanitawase sobs as she refers to as “practically my dad”—he would have arrived a week sooner.
The tragedy has subdued the euphoria surrounding an Olympics appearance and the ensuing code move, which might possibly lead to an NRL debut this season if injuries or suspensions severely impact the Roosters roster.
“Right now, things have been difficult,” Nawaqanitawase said to this masthead.
His absence from this place is significant. I apologize; I had no idea I would feel this way [emotionally]. He was a huge influence on my union path and cherished union. He kept up with every game I engaged in. I’ll notice a significant difference in the future without him.
So that’s life, I suppose. Without a doubt, I’ll be doing a lot of it for him. Now, he’s in a better position. That’s my current situation. For him, I’ll be handling a lot of it.
Tovehi, who was close to turning fifty-five, passed away from cancer. He was healthy enough to travel to France to watch the Wallabies play in the Rugby World Cup last year, but he passed away when his stepson went back to Paris to pursue his Olympic ambition.
Nawaqanitawase remarked, “He’s gone now, but he will always be there for me.” “I have to work really hard and proudly for him. A little too quickly gone. He was in some agony, but he’s in a better place now.
We discovered he had cancer right after I returned from the World Cup [at the end of 2023]. He was in the recovery phase after going through a little struggle in the previous few months.
“The physicians anticipated something would happen outside of the illness; he did not die from the illness. If anything was going to occur, it was going to happen in a specific way. Two weeks ago, the possibility of this happening was somewhat of a shock.
Sadly, everything went wrong on the day I was meant to return from the Olympics.
He was not able to be revived. It’s been a difficult week or two, but such things occur everywhere in the world. I have supportive family members around me, and the Roosters have been fantastic as well. I must admit that the footy has been a useful diversion for me.
“The past two weeks have been quite the crazy week and a half. There have been emotions of anticipation and all that stuff, as well as a need to return home quickly and settle everything with the family.
I’m meant to be in a positive frame of mind right now. I’m still getting used to the change and the difference.
On the field, Nawaqanitawase is going through yet another significant upheaval in his life. After Australia’s defeat by South Africa in the sevens tournament semifinals, the St Patrick’s College Strathfield alumnus concluded his rugby career.
What vocabulary do I have? He remarked, “I would say that was an unbelievable experience, unlike any other. You realize how fortunate you are to be able to do that, and it makes it so special. Doing this before [switching codes] is truly unique.
“I believed I performed my duties effectively. The boys performed as well as they could, and we made a fantastic team. Personally, I was happy that I was able to connect.
“Obviously, we were really motivated to win a medal or a gold, but our daily goal was to improve. We performed quite well, in my opinion, to start with a three-point lead. Getting into a bronze medal match is a major accomplishment in and of itself.
“We may be satisfied with the performances we gave, even though we didn’t win. I believe this is the first time an Australian [male] rugby sevens team has advanced to the semifinals.
“You should be proud of the part we played, and maybe the boys will be able to go even farther in the future.”
Trent Robinson, the coach of the Roosters, has stated unequivocally that he will not hurry Nawaqanitawase’s NRL debut. But coming early will give him the best opportunity to make the kind of successful transition that this season still holds out for him.
“I’ve crossed over to play NRL at the end of the day,” Nawaqanitawase stated after being picked for the Roosters’ NSW Cup matchup against the Bulldogs on Sunday. Of course, it would be ideal if the chance presented itself [this season].
“I need to gain some experience before I can convince the coaches to choose me. Right now, I’m in a terrific position to absorb as much information as possible.
“I’m not in a hurry to be out there right now. I’m appreciative that I can take my time and explore my options.
When asked what he thought of the Roosters right away, Nawaqanitawase responded, “The professionalism.” It makes sense to me why their club has been so successful. the culture that exists there as well. I’ve noticed it wherever I’ve gone, and I can understand why they adore some of the guys there, especially Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.
“The players as a whole, not just him, the standards they set and the energy he brings.” They have been incredibly friendly while also putting in a lot of effort to improve. It’s enjoyable to participate in and you simply feed off of it.”
Carter Gordon, a former Wallaby, has also joined the Gold Coast Titans in the league. The excitement of Nawaqanitawase is building for their debut NRL match.
Without a doubt. Nawaqanitawase remarked, “Carter is a good man, I hear he’s doing quite well in the Queensland Cup.” “It would be quite special if we faced off against each other because we both attended the World Cup together and have since switched. For us, it would be a humorous yet memorable day.
Nawaqanitawase and Carter have transitioned to a 13-man lineup, but Joseph Manu and Joseph Suaalii, two prominent Roosters players, have made the opposite move. Nawaqanitawase believes there will be a greater exchange of talent throughout the codes.
He answered, “I do.” “A number of players are currently having some conversation. Over the previous few weeks, I’ve read a few reports about athletes that wish to switch. I believe it will take place.
These days, the majority of males are really athletic, so I think they may transition. It wouldn’t surprise me if a few more people made the same decision.
