Mark Nawaqanitawase denied rookie award after NRL rule change

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Mark Nawaqanitawase's blistering first year in the NRL won't end with rookie of the year honours after a late rule tweak from the ARL Commission rendered the Roosters winger ineligible for the award.

The 24-year-old has lit up the league since crossing codes from rugby union, but a revised clause now excludes players who've featured in five or more professional matches in any sport.

Nawaqanitawase, a former Wallabies winger who also played sevens and competed at the Paris Olympics, falls outside the limit, despite having never played in the NRL before this season.

The change, confirmed this week, has sparked frustration among fans and admiration from within his club.

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Roosters assistant coach Matt King praised Nawaqanitawase's character as much as his form.

"He walked into and changed our environment, purely through the person he is. There's no ego," King said. "He finished at the Paris Olympics, and three weeks later, he's playing [reserve grade] in Glebe in front of three people. He just got on with it. He's an incredible human."

The rule now clearly states that once a player has made five professional appearances in any recognised league, including Super Rugby or international rugby, they are no longer considered a rookie by NRL standards.

Nawaqanitawase's omission opens the door for teammates Rob Toia and Hugo Savala to be considered, alongside other breakout performers like Leka Halasima, Savelio Tamale, Dylan Egan, Hamish Stewart, and Eels pair Isaiah Iongi and Joash Papalii.

But Roosters fans won't forget the try he scored against the Bulldogs in Round 11 any time soon, a highlight of a debut campaign that, award or not, has left its mark.