NRL convert adds ‘X-factor’ for Olympic campaign

NRL convert Mark Nawaqanitawase has made a “seamless transition” to the rugby sevens team ahead of the Paris Olympics according to Australian coach John Manenti, who confirmed the flyer’s place in the squad as one of seven first-time Olympians.

Nawaqanitawase, who was a member of the Australian World Cup squad in Paris last year before signing a deal with Sydney Roosters, has been granted special permission to join his new club, and code, at the end of the Australian team’s campaign in Paris.

He could become the only footballer in history to win an Olympic gold medal and an NRL premiership after the special ruling allowed him to be added to the Roosters’ 30-man list for the rest of the 2024 season.

Manenti said Nawaqanitawase added some “X-factor” to the sevens squad having formed a bond with his new teammates during a recent camp in Fiji and Darwin.

“The group has over 330 world series tournaments of experience, five previous Olympians and seven debutants,” he said.

“We welcome Corey Toole and Mark Nawaqanitawase back to the squad, both of whom have had seamless transitions and add an X-factor to our well-established combinations.

“We had a really good two weeks in Fiji and Darwin recently and that along with our solid season has the team really well prepared for Paris.”

Tokyo Olympians Nathan Lawson, Maurice Longbottom and Dietrich Roache return for their second Games, while Ben Dowling, Matthew Gonzalez, Nawaqanitawase, Henry Paterson, Hayden Sargeant, Corey Toole and James Turner will contest their first Olympics.

Rio gold medallists Charlotte Caslick and Sharni Smale, as well as Nick Malouf and Henry Hutchison, will all become Australia’s first triple Olympians in rugby, with Caslick and Malouf named to captain their teams.

Caslick, one of only two female players ever to win multiple World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year Awards (two), Olympic gold, Commonwealth gold, a Rugby World Cup and the world series, said another gold was the team’s one and only focus.

“We’ve worked really hard to get to this point where we are chasing a gold medal,” she said.

“I’ve loved every moment of being able to lead these players and we’re in a good place to play well.

“Paris is an incredible city that will bring the best out of our players. We can’t wait to get over there.”

The Australian men’s team is yet to win an Olympic medal. The women’s team captured gold in 2016 but missed a medal in Tokyo.

AUSTRALIAN RUGBY SEVENS SQUADS FOR PARIS OLYMPICS

* MEN: Nick Malouf (capt), Ben Dowling, Matthew Gonzalez, Henry Hutchison, Nathan Lawson, Maurice Longbottom, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Henry Paterson, Dietrich Roache, Hayden Sargeant, Corey Toole, James Turner. (Reserves: Josh Turner, Michael Icely).

* WOMEN: Charlotte Caslick (capt), Bridget Clark, Dominique du Toit, Tia Hinds, Maddison Levi, Isabella Nasser, Faith Nathan, Sariah Paki, Kaitlin Shave, Sharni Smale, Bienne Terita. (Reserves: Kahli Henwood, Sidney Taylor).