Mark Nawaqanitawase, the Sydney Roosters winger and recent cross-code athlete, will make his State of Origin debut for New South Wales on Wednesday night at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), an event he says will rival his experience representing Australia at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The 25-year-old was unexpectedly called up from the reserves following a quad injury to Penrith’s Casey McLean, who was withdrawn before the team’s training session last Saturday.

Nawaqanitawase’s journey to rugby league’s marquee event has been remarkable, especially considering he was recovering from syndesmosis ankle surgery just last month after sustaining the injury in early May during a game against the Brisbane Broncos. Despite initial concerns that the injury might end his chances of playing in the Origin series, he credits the medical staff for his rapid recovery, allowing him to participate in one of rugby league’s most intense and physical contests.

The winger has earned a reputation for his athleticism and skill, having scored 35 tries in 33 NRL appearances. His ability to handle high-ball contests and display power and agility has made him a standout performer, and he approaches his debut with a focus on fulfilling his role within a talented team. “I’ve just got to enjoy the moment,” he said, acknowledging the intensity and quality of the Queensland side they will face.

Nawaqanitawase’s State of Origin appearance also serves as a milestone before he exits the NRL at the end of the season to pursue opportunities in Japanese rugby. He has aspirations to represent the Wallabies at the Rugby World Cup next year and potentially compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics with the Australian Sevens squad, having already played in the Paris Games. At those Olympics, he experienced a record crowd of 69,000 fans at the Stade de France, the largest single-day attendance in the history of rugby sevens, which he says has prepared him for the MCG’s anticipated crowd of nearly 95,000.

“The atmosphere is probably one of the parts of footy that players love,” Nawaqanitawase said. “I’ve been lucky enough to play in some amazing places with amazing crowds, and State of Origin is obviously going to be up there with one of the best.”

While excited about the challenge, he remains grounded on his debut plans. “I’m just going to run the ball hard and make tackles if I need to,” he explained. “I’ve got a team around me that anyone can do anything, but if I just do my job, I’m sure I can help our team get the win.”

Nawaqanitawase’s rapid rise from injury to State of Origin starter underscores both his resilience and versatility as an athlete, highlighting a unique path from Olympic rugby sevens to Australia’s rugby league pinnacle.