Australia dual-code international Mark Nawaqanitawase is sending shockwaves through the Rugby League establishment with his electrifying display in the opening Test against England. The 25-year-old, who made a surprise switch from union to league last year, was always going to be a wild card, but few expected him to make such an instant impact.
Nawaqanitawase's impressive performance saw him torment England defenders with his pace and agility, leaving them grasping at air as he swooped in for the opening try. His 216 metres gained from play were a testament to his ability to adapt to the physical demands of league, a code that has long been synonymous with power and intensity.
While some have compared Nawaqanitawase's game to that of Justin Bieber - the pop star known for his lightning-quick moves on stage - there is no doubt he has brought a new level of excitement to the Rugby League Ashes. His ability to leave defenders in his wake, combined with his uncanny ability to finish tries, makes him a nightmare for any team.
The benefits of having Nawaqanitawase involved now outweigh his impending exit after 2026's NRL campaign, which will see him return to union before the 2027 World Cup. Walters' decision to pick him has sent a clear message that Australia is looking to inject some much-needed excitement into the team.
For England, however, Nawaqanitawase represents an even greater challenge. If Shaun Wane's side fail to get it right against Australia at Everton on Saturday, they may find themselves facing a repeat of the same old woes that have plagued them in recent times. With Nawaqanitawase leading the charge, Australia will be looking to build on their opening win and put pressure on England to respond.
As Nawaqanitawase looks to enjoy his international opportunities before returning to league, there is no doubt he has brought a sense of 'pinch yourself' moment joy to the Rugby League Ashes. For England, however, it's back to reality - they may be facing their nightmare if they fail to contain this dual-code phenomenon.
Nawaqanitawase's impressive performance saw him torment England defenders with his pace and agility, leaving them grasping at air as he swooped in for the opening try. His 216 metres gained from play were a testament to his ability to adapt to the physical demands of league, a code that has long been synonymous with power and intensity.
While some have compared Nawaqanitawase's game to that of Justin Bieber - the pop star known for his lightning-quick moves on stage - there is no doubt he has brought a new level of excitement to the Rugby League Ashes. His ability to leave defenders in his wake, combined with his uncanny ability to finish tries, makes him a nightmare for any team.
The benefits of having Nawaqanitawase involved now outweigh his impending exit after 2026's NRL campaign, which will see him return to union before the 2027 World Cup. Walters' decision to pick him has sent a clear message that Australia is looking to inject some much-needed excitement into the team.
For England, however, Nawaqanitawase represents an even greater challenge. If Shaun Wane's side fail to get it right against Australia at Everton on Saturday, they may find themselves facing a repeat of the same old woes that have plagued them in recent times. With Nawaqanitawase leading the charge, Australia will be looking to build on their opening win and put pressure on England to respond.
As Nawaqanitawase looks to enjoy his international opportunities before returning to league, there is no doubt he has brought a sense of 'pinch yourself' moment joy to the Rugby League Ashes. For England, however, it's back to reality - they may be facing their nightmare if they fail to contain this dual-code phenomenon.
. Don't get me wrong, he did look pretty speedy out there and all that, but the comparison to Justin Bieber is just ridiculous 
. I mean, come on, he's a rugby player, not a pop star! But in all seriousness, his performance was impressive and it'll be interesting to see how England adapts to playing against him. One thing's for sure though, Australia is looking strong this year and they're definitely giving England a run for their money 
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he's fast yeah but it's not like he's the 1st player to ever do that in rugby league lol what's next gonna be players switching codes and getting all the hype just because they're "exciting" 
news fatigue is real
. I mean, the kid's got skills for days! It's like he's bringing a new level of energy to the sport 
. As a parent, it's awesome to see kids finding their passion and pursuing it with such enthusiasm. The comparisons to Justin Bieber might seem silly, but honestly, who wouldn't want to watch someone as exciting on the field as they are off it? 
My 10-year-old son is actually super stoked about this player – can't wait to hear more about him from him! 
I mean, who knew someone could make a union player look so good in league? 
He's like a superhero out there on the field - can't be stopped and always seems to find the try line. 
And 216 meters gained from play? That's some next-level stuff right there! 
I'm loving how he's bringing that excitement to the Ashes, and it's clear Australia is trying to shake things up with him in the team. But for England, they gotta step it up if they wanna compete against this new Aussie sensation 
. Can't wait to see what he does next! 
! His speed and agility on the field are insane, and it's crazy he was able to make that transition from union to league so smoothly. He's definitely a game-changer for Australia and I think they're lucky to have him on their team right now 
. Nawaqanitawase is like a force of nature out there - he's got this ability to leave defenders in the dust and score tries left and right. I'm not surprised he's been compared to Justin Bieber, lol 
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. Sure, he's fast and can finish tries but 216 metres gained from play is quite a stretch - I think they might have messed up the measurement or something 
. England better bring their A-game if they want to take him down because once he's back in league after 2026, it'll be hard to get the same level of performance out of him 
Nawaqanitawase is like nothing I've ever seen before, and if they can't contain him, they're in trouble 
! it's crazy to think he went from union to league last year and just dominated the opening test against england 
. but for england, this is a tough one... if they don't step up their game, nawaqanitawase could be the one to bring them down 
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! Australia must've been so hyped to see him in action, he really did bring that energy