![\"Christian](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/635402f1698dc5687fb8f98be5c093fe76cbc56f.png\")
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March 19, 2026 \u2014 8:43am<\/p>\n
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Remove items from your saved list<\/a> to add more.<\/p>\n Save this article for later<\/p>\n Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime.<\/p>\n Got it<\/p>\n AAA<\/p>\n Roosters back Mark Nawaqanitawase has been working with Sydney Swans premiership hero Nick Davis on new ways to get to the high ball, especially if opposition NRL teams continue to run him off the ball as they have over the opening two rounds.<\/p>\n One of the great sights in rugby league is Sydney Roosters\u2019 right-winger Nawaqanitawase \u2013 along with teammate Daniel Tupou, Melbourne\u2019s Xavier Coates, and others \u2013 sailing high over the top of rivals to catch high kicks and score.<\/p>\n Nawaqanitawase, however, is yet to receive an escort penalty this year, despite running into what appeared to be interference on at least three separate occasions.<\/p>\n New Zealand Warriors\u2019 centre Roger Tuivasa-Sheck moved into Nawaqanitawase\u2019s path twice in the opening round without being sanctioned, while South Sydney\u2019s Latrell Mitchell was also cleared of any wrongdoing when he crossed paths with the rugby-bound flyer last Friday.<\/p>\n The 25-year-old Nawaqanitawase said it had been frustrating, but it was on him \u2013 and Davis \u2013 to come up with different plans to get the best out of his leap and athleticism, starting with Friday evening\u2019s blockbuster against Penrith.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The NRL would not comment directly on the kicks involving Nawaqanitawase. The escort rules state that a player will only be penalised if they run the attacking player off the ball or deliberately move in front of the chaser. They are, however, entitled to move directly towards the ball and take up a position before the ball is caught.<\/p>\n Roosters skipper James Tedesco said at the start of the year, Nawaqanitawase had enjoyed an excellent breakout season in 2025, but he would need to go to another level because rival teams would be better prepared for him.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd I have noticed that already, especially in the high-ball areas,\u201d Nawaqanitawase told this masthead.<\/p>\n \u201cCentres have been trying to get in my way. The way they\u2019ve been escorting, which they shouldn\u2019t be allowed to do, but the way they\u2019re trying to get me off my game, I definitely feel the pressure there.<\/p>\n \u201cIt can be frustrating sometimes. But I\u2019ll keep doing what I can do.<\/p>\n \u201cNick Davis is one of our coaches, and with his AFL background, he\u2019s working on different ways to get to the ball, how to get around defenders … kickers putting the ball into different positions, just finding ways to get around them.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \u201cThe main thing is being confident and going for it, and not being passive with it. When you\u2019re passive, defenders can get in your way, and you\u2019re already a step behind.<\/p>\n \u201cJust go for it first, then you\u2019re in a good spot to get up and compete for it.\u201d<\/p>\n Davis has spent several years helping the Roosters\u2019 develop their catching skills. He said Nawaqanitawase and Tupou were always on the opposition tip sheet because of their success under the high ball.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s become air warfare up there, and it\u2019s become a lot more technical than what it was like six or seven years ago when I first started,\u201d Davis said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe understand it\u2019s a big part of the team \u2013 we want to be owners of the air \u2013 and we\u2019d be naive to think other teams won\u2019t try and stop us from doing that.<\/p>\n![\"Mark](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/93c67c42266de74926fa66b2b1ad02252a500f9984c89bbda94bce3603429161.gif\")
Mark Nawaqanitawase struggles to get around Roger Tuivasa-Sheck in round one.NRL<\/p>\n
![\"NSW](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/8617078b01abae8d6b9f30bb490d36ea658147bd.jpeg\")
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