Mark Nawaqanitawase set the NRL world on fire this season when he pulled off one of the most impressive tries in the history of the sport.
The Wallaby-turned-Rooster hopped on one leg to avoid the sideline, putting in a picture-perfect kick with the other, which he then chased down to score in a feat of freak skill and athleticism.
On his feet that night were a pair of Under Armour Magnetico Elite 4 FG boots from the brand that he has represented since 2023, which he says saw him achieve a childhood dream.
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"Growing up, there was always Under Armour around," Nawaqanitawase told Sporting News Australia.
"As a kid, being an athlete or seeing the athletes, they always had a sponsor. For me, them coming and asking, I guess our relationship beginning was a pretty cool moment.
"Then meeting them and the feeling of how much they wanted me is a big reason to be a part of their family, and a massive reason why I wanted to join them - not only because of the quality of the gear and everything like that, but I guess just the way they make you feel.
"Being part of it now just goes to show that and seeing what we've done and how we've been able to build over the past couple of years has been such a good decision and hopefully gets better with the years to go."
MARK NAWAQANITAWASE IS OUT OF THIS WORLD! 🤯 #NRLBulldogsRoosters pic.twitter.com/5J3RZQ98bK
— NRL (@NRL) May 16, 2025
Nawaqanitawase's journey with the Baltimore-based company began in 2023 ahead of that year's Super Rugby Pacific season, with the star wearing UA for both the Waratahs and the Wallabies until his 2024 code-switch to the NRL.
Across both rugby league and union, the 24-year-old has been a try-scoring machine on the field, and he believes that the look of his boots are just as important as the feel when it comes to his other-worldly production.
"First of all, it has to look good," Nawaqanitawase said.
"Something I love about the boots that Under Armour give me is there's always a bright, shiny aspect to it, which it stands out, which I love.
"I have a saying, If you look good, you feel good, and if you look good and feel good, you're going to play good. It's a cool part of being able to have some boots with a bit of spice to it. I enjoy when I get a new box and then seeing the colours, what they're going to be is always exciting.
"Then in terms of the boot itself just being adaptable to any terrain that we play in, whether it's wet, dry, or whatever it is, [Under Armour] make products so I can do both, especially in Australia, the fields in the winters can be wet and rainy, so making sure I have metal studs, which is actually my favourite.
"The feel of the boot, when you put it on, it feels like putting on a glove."
But beyond the football field, being part of one of the world's most influential athletics brand also feels significant culturally for Nawaqanitawase, joining the likes of NFL legends, NBA icons, and football fan favourites.
"It's pretty cool [to be a part of the Under Armour brand], the likes of Steph Curry, Douglas Costa," he said.
"There's some pretty high-profile athletes in the world today. To have my name up there and just be a part of the family here is pretty cool.
"It's something I didn't think I'd get as a young kid, but finally, just seeing myself up there with those guys is pretty special."
As for what he hopes to accomplish next, it's about fostering a community via the brand, as he continues to establish his young NRL career.
"[I want to] build together and grow together and get as many people as part of the family and just enjoying the product, but also the game," Nawaqanitawase said.
However, he also did suggest one brand idea that he would love to see in the future: "Under Armour and Louis Vuitton".