Roosters’ Mark Nawaqanitawase and the Challenge of High Ball Tactics
Mark Nawaqanitawase, the Sydney Roosters’ right-winger, has been making waves in rugby league with his incredible ability to soar over opponents and catch high kicks. Alongside teammates like Daniel Tupou and players from other clubs such as Xavier Coates, Nawaqanitawase has become a standout figure in the sport. However, this season has presented unique challenges for the 25-year-old, particularly when it comes to securing high balls.
Despite his talent, Nawaqanitawase has yet to receive an escort penalty this year, even though he has faced what appeared to be interference on multiple occasions. For instance, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck of the New Zealand Warriors moved into Nawaqanitawase’s path twice in the opening round without being penalised. Similarly, Latrell Mitchell of South Sydney was cleared of any wrongdoing when he crossed paths with Nawaqanitawase last Friday.
Nawaqanitawase has expressed frustration at these situations but remains focused on finding solutions. He is working closely with Nick Davis, a Sydney Swans premiership hero, to develop new strategies that will allow him to make the most of his athleticism and jumping ability. The pair are exploring different ways to approach high balls, including adjusting the positioning of kickers and finding creative methods to outmanoeuvre defenders.
The NRL has not directly commented on the specific incidents involving Nawaqanitawase. According to the escort rules, a player can only be penalised if they run the attacking player off the ball or deliberately move in front of the chaser. They are allowed to move directly towards the ball and take up a position before it is caught. In his weekly email to clubs, David Fairleigh, the NRL’s club relationship manager of elite officiating, highlighted the number of escort penalties in the first two rounds, with some clubs anticipating a potential crackdown in this area.
Roosters skipper James Tedesco noted that Nawaqanitawase had a breakout season in 2025 but will need to elevate his performance further as rival teams become more prepared for him. “I’ve noticed that already, especially in the high-ball areas,” Nawaqanitawase said. “Centres have been trying to get in my way. The way they’ve been escorting, which they shouldn’t be allowed to do, but the way they’re trying to get me off my game, I definitely feel the pressure there.”
Nawaqanitawase acknowledged the frustration but remained determined. “It can be frustrating sometimes. But I’ll keep doing what I can do.” He credited Davis for helping him explore new approaches to catching the ball. “Nick Davis is one of our coaches, and with his AFL background, he’s 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.”
Davis, who has spent years developing the Roosters’ catching skills, explained that Nawaqanitawase and Tupou are always on the opposition’s radar due to their success under high balls. “It’s become air warfare up there, and it’s become a lot more technical than what it was like six or seven years ago when I first started,” he said. “We understand it’s a big part of the team – we want to be owners of the air – and we’d be naive to think other teams won’t try and stop us from doing that.”
The Roosters are preparing for a crucial match against Penrith, where Nawaqanitawase will face off against Panthers duo Casey McLean and Tom Jenkins. Lindsay Collins, the Roosters’ prop, has observed that teams are doing their best to limit Nawaqanitawase’s impact. He was disappointed that the winger was penalised for a “disruptor” infringement against the Warriors, despite making a genuine attempt to go for the ball. “It’s ‘Marky Mark’, you know he doesn’t go up to be a disruptor, and we have to be careful we also don’t take away the opportunity for people to compete for the ball – they’re the highlights we want to see,” Collins said.
