Roosters’ miracle try could lead to generational change
Scott Bailey |
Trent Robinson wants the NRL’s next generation to be inspired by Mark Nawaqanitawase’s miracle try – and follow the star rugby convert’s mantra which is to play with more freedom than fear.
Nawaqanitawase finished Friday night’s 24-20 loss to Canterbury “hurting”, with the Sydney Roosters winger ruing two crucial errors in the lead up to Bulldogs tries.
But he also provided a moment likely to live on in highlights reels for years, replayed time after time for the next generation that Robinson hopes he’ll influence.
With the Roosters trailing 18-14 after giving up a 14-0 lead, Nawaqanitawase provided a piece of magic to briefly put his team back in the lead.
After getting the ball on the right wing, the flyer pushed off a Matt Burton tackle and hopped on his left foot twice to avoid going over the sideline.
The 24-year-old then chipped ahead for himself, had the ball land on its belly, before reaching over the sideline and dragging it back in to get it down and score.
Nawaqanitawase almost scored a similar try against the Warriors earlier this year, with the former Wallaby just nine games into his NRL career.
Robinson believes his fearless approach comes from rugby union, where Nawaqanitawase was a star in both the 15 and seven-man variants.
“The attrition base in union isn’t as high as it is in league. So therefore you can take risks and it’s not going to hurt you like it does in rugby league,” Robinson said.
“That’s why we love rugby league, but you also have to make sure players are coming through not think attrition through (under) 17s and 19s.
“There has to be allowed to be that freedom in footy, and hopefully Mark can allow that with players and coaches to allow more freedom in the right areas.
“Back yourself. The game needs those players.
“We don’t often do it, but it’s a tip of the cap to the freedom that comes from union because it doesn’t hurt as much.”
A despondent Nawaqanitawase did not want to talk to awaiting media after the game, upset by allowing the Bulldogs back into the game with his errors.
But Roosters captain James Tedesco rated Nawaqanitawase’s try as one of the best he’d ever seen.
“It was up there,” Tedesco said. “That’s just individual brilliance.
“He does that stuff at training, he’s shown in the short time he has been with us in the NRL that he comes up with some incredible plays.
“He’s got high instincts. That was what I was most impressed with when he came, just his skill … he’s on the wing but can still create plays like that.”
AAP
