LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Connor Watson, a star player for the Roosters, has voiced his displeasure regarding the recent decision to render teammate Mark Nawaqanitawase ineligible for the Dally M Rookie of the Year Award. Watson argues that such a decision should have been made at the start of the 2025 season, rather than just a few rounds before its conclusion.
Nawaqanitawase, alongside competitors like Leka Halasima, Isaiah Iongi, and fellow Rooster Robert Toia, was considered a top contender for the prestigious award. However, the ARL Commission opted to alter the eligibility rules due to Nawaqanitawase's prior achievements in rugby.
A talented athlete, Nawaqanitawase distinguished himself while playing for the Wallabies and even represented Australia in rugby sevens at the 2024 Olympics before transitioning to rugby league last year, where he made his NRL debut with the Roosters.
Since his return to rugby league in 2025, Nawaqanitawase has proven himself as a standout player, notably securing the try-of-the-year award for an impressive solo effort against the Bulldogs.
Nonetheless, NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo announced on Tuesday that Nawaqanitawase would not have the opportunity to join previous winners Harry Grant, Sam Walker, and Jack Bostock. "The commission had made a policy change decision around the eligibility for rookie of the year, and I think it's contemporary and hasn't been looked at for a while," Abdo stated.
He further explained, "The decision was really simple. It (the award) is meant for genuine rookies, so players that are coming through pathways systems, and not for players that have got significant experience, even if it's in other sports."