Axed Wallaby and Roosters-bound winger Mark Nawaqanitawase has admitted after being announced on the Australian Olympic team that it’s “mind-blowing” to think about the wild ride he’s on.
Nawaqanitawase was on Wednesday named in a 12-man Australian rugby sevens squad for the Paris Games beginning this month, where captain Nick Malouf and his team will chase a maiden Olympic medal for Australia in the men’s game.
Nawaqanitawase was cut by new Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt in June, losing his place in the squad for this month’s Tests against Wales and Georgia.
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Following the 23-year-old’s stint in Olympic rugby sevens, he will turn his attention to rugby league when he joins Roosters champions James Tedesco, Joseph Manu and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves in Bondi.
“It’s obviously been quite a crazy year. I guess it was mind-blowing to think this [competing at the Olympics] was even an opportunity,” Nawaqanitawase told reporters on Wednesday.
“I’m still trying to get my head around it. Obviously there’s been a lot going on this year.”
The Roosters confirmed on Tuesday that Nawaqanitawase’s contract with the Roosters had been signed off by the NRL a smidgen before the July 1 deadline.
The former NSW Waratahs star is one of seven players in the Australian rugby sevens men’s squad set to make their Olympic debut, along with Ben Dowling, Matt Gonzalez, Henry Paterson, Hayden Sargeant, Brumbies speedster Corey Toole and James Turner.
“[It’s] obviously very special for myself, my family [to be selected for the Olympics],” Nawaqanitawase said.
“Growing up watching it, no matter what event or sport, it’s pretty crazy to think that I will be able to run out there and represent my country.
“Mum and the rest of my family are proud and really excited for me and my team to see how we go.”
Australian men’s rugby sevens squad for Paris 2024
Ben Dowling, Matt Gonzalez, Henry Hutchison, Nathan Lawson, Maurice Longbottom, Nick Malouf (c), Mark Nawaqanitawase, Henry Paterson, Dietrich Roache, Hayden Sargeant, Corey Toole, James Turner
Australian women’s rugby sevens squad for Paris 2024
Charlotte Caslick (c), Bridget Clark, Dominique du Toit, Tia Hinds, Maddison Levi, Teagan Levi, Isabella Nasser, Faith Nathan, Sariah Paki, Kaitlin Shave, Sharni Smale, Bienne Terita