Mark Nawaqanitawase and Ronaldo Mulitalo will renew their long-running on-field rivalry when the Sydney Roosters face the Sharks in an NRL semifinal on Saturday night.
The match is scheduled for 7:50pm AEST at Sydney Football Stadium, with the winner advancing to face the Dolphins at Lang Park in the preliminary finals. The fixture is sudden death, according to ABC News Australia.
Roosters centre Robert Toia said he expected another entertaining contest between the two wingers. “Cinema, that's what I expect — [another chapter in] an ongoing battle and I think if we get the win that will top it off,” Toia said.
Nawaqanitawase’s appearance could be his last in the NRL. The 26-year-old, who previously played for the Wallabies, is due to return to rugby union with Japanese club Saitama Wild Knights after switching codes following the Paris Olympics.
His move to league has produced 41 tries in 44 games for the Roosters, as well as Australia and New South Wales representative honours, ABC News Australia reported. The source also highlighted several unusual plays, including a grubber and sideline run against Canterbury that was named try of the year, and a tap-ahead intercept followed by a try against Penrith last weekend.
Toia said Nawaqanitawase had surprised teammates with his performances. Roosters forward Siua Wong described the rivalry with Mulitalo as part of what makes the game compelling, while Sharks centre KL Iro said Mulitalo, despite sometimes becoming personal during matches, makes a point of shaking hands and clearing the air afterwards.
The Roosters enter the semifinal after a 19-12 loss to Penrith, while the Sharks beat North Queensland 26-16 in the previous listed matches. The outcome will determine which team progresses to the preliminary final against the Dolphins.