Mark Nawaqanitawase has reminded NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley that he should be considered for Origin after a starring performance in the Roosters‘ 38-24 win against the Knights.
The cross-code star scored a late double at Allianz Stadium to make it three wins in a row for the Tricolours.
Nawaqanitawase didn’t play Origin last season as he became accustom to his new code but went on to represent the Kangaroos.
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After scoring his second try of the afternoon, Blues great Steve ‘Blocker’ Roach was confident he’d be in the discussion for the NSW jersey.
Mark Nawaqanitawase scores for the Roosters. Getty
“Food for thought for the NSW side, he’ll be in contention,” he said on Fox League.
While it was a satisfying day for the Roosters, there was one concern to come out of the match with Lindsay Collins on report for a dangerous tackle.
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In the eighth minute, Newcastle’s Mat Croker hit the ball up and was tackled by three players as Collins lifted between the legs and put the lock in a dangerous position.
Lindsay Collins’ tackle on Mat Croker. Fox League
The first half at Allianz was a see-sawing affair as both sides held the lead on different occasions.
At half-time, Newcastle was leading 24-12 but the Roosters came out of the sheds a completely different side.
James Tedesco was a big part of the resurgence, scoring a try in the second half and contributing three try assists across the whole match.
Both Tedesco and Nawaqanitawase were metre eaters, finishing with 258 and 211 run metres.
Hugo Savala also finished with a double for the Roosters while Fletcher Hunt scored a hat-trick