Roosters coach Trent Robinson hailed Mark Nawaqanitawase’s spectacular try but didn’t shy away from pointing out the costly mistakes that overshadowed it in the 24-20 loss to the Bulldogs.
Nawaqanitawase’s soaring solo effort put the Roosters ahead with ten minutes to play, only for the ladder leaders to snatch the result late. For Robinson, the try was brilliant, but not without a price.
MARK NAWAQANITAWASE IS OUT OF THIS WORLD! 🤯 #NRLBulldogsRoosters pic.twitter.com/5J3RZQ98bK
— NRL (@NRL) May 16, 2025
“It’s a great try, it’s really good to see someone play with attacking freedom like that,” Robinson said. “Sees the play really well, sees space really well and has the courage to play.
“I mean, the cost is really high of those, and he’s a really good catcher.”
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‘It’s actually an easy fix’
Despite the highlight-reel finish, the Roosters winger had a mixed evening, making multiple errors under the high ball. Robinson said the issue wasn’t technical, it was a case of trying too hard.
“I think there’s too much effort in the jump and the catch, it’s not through lack of technique,” he said. “It’s not through the jump, it’s not through the catch. It’s probably through too much effort in the catch, so that’s actually an easy fix rather than a technical fix.
“But those hurt tonight. I can understand Mark’s hurting in there.”
Robinson urged for more players to be encouraged to take risks in the right moments, pointing to Nawaqanitawase’s attacking flair as something the game needs more of.
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“Hopefully Mark can open up that for players and coaches to allow more freedom in the right areas, but back yourself and our game needs those players,” he said.
Skipper James Tedesco also stood by his teammate. “He’s shown in the short time that he’s been with us and been in the NRL, he comes up with some incredible plays,” Tedesco said.
“He’s still on the wing, but he can still create plays like that, so he’s really important for us.”