'Huge loss' for rugby hits home in just seven minutes as Roosters ...

The Roosters’ superstar rugby convert Mark Nawaqanitawase is already being compared to Israel Folau after he scored a spectacular try with just his second touch on debut.

The 192cm speedster leapt above Rabbitohs winger Tyrone Munro to haul in a Luke Keary kick and score the opener on Friday night.

Nawaqanitawase, who played sevens for Australia at the Olympics just 40 days ago, sent Allianz Stadium into raptures and celebrated wildly with his new teammates.

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Round 27

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Bulldogs forward Max King joins the Fox League podcast to go inside the Bulldogs’ remarkable 2024 revival and chat about the impact of coach Cameron Ciraldo, captain Stephen Crichton and the club’s renowned defensive system

“Oh my goodness, well hello Mark Nawaqanitawase, get used to the name,” Dan Ginnane said on Fox League.

“Has anyone scored a debut try quite like that… that is an astonishing bit of athleticism.

“One of the most incredible stories, to go from the Olympics to the NRL finals and he looks the real deal.”

Mick Ennis said the former Wallabies flyer came into the game under pressure to deliver on the hype.

“Look at the crowd, they are going absolutely berserk,” Ennis said.

“Nawaqanitawase the fans are in. That was Israel Folau-like that, just the way he rises up above.

“Keary puts it on an absolute dime and he climbs well into the air and over the top of Tyrone Munro.

“The athletic Nawaqanitawase got there, what a moment, what an absolute debut try.”

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