Wallabies future won’t depend on where he signs, says Les Kiss
He said his rise to gold jumper would not be a fait accompli either.
“I think the border is moving a little bit,” Kiss said when asked if Nawaqanitawase’s chances of playing on Australian shores would increase.
“It has taken him time to pick up his rugby league skills but I have no doubt he will come back and add something for sure. Every year every player grows a little bit and the wisdom he will gain from what he learns from the game of rugby league will be fantastic.”
“We have wingers in the Wallaby set-up and Super Rugby teams at the moment, but he brings that sense of teaching to the game, he’s not afraid to move around the park, make the moments his own and create opportunities for people.
“It’s not that different from what we have now with Lipo [Filipo Daugunu] and Max Jorgensen and the other boys do the same. He’ll have to earn his own money.”
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However, former Wallabies coach Robbie Deans (now director of rugby at the Wild Knights, which includes 59-Test flier Marika Koroibete) has hinted that players closer to home may be given greater consideration.
Deans, who guided Australia to third place at the 2011 World Cup, said: “There’s a tailspin there now, there are a lot of good wingers in Australia. It will be interesting how Les handles these decisions.”
“It gets harder and that’s what you want; you want the men to be around so they can be seen because if you’re not different, if you’re somewhere else, it’s very difficult.
“HE [Nawaqanitawase] He’s obviously enjoyed his experience and what he’s about to experience will be good for him as a person. He’ll bring that with him and he’s already performed well at international level, so that’s a great thing for rugby.
“But more important to me is the message. Both he and Joseph [Suaalii]I think the way they talk about rugby’s point of difference is a very important message; You want to see the world and play in a game that is the ultimate team game.
“This is a great message for the next generation.”
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