Queensland are bracing for the aerial threat of State of Origin newcomer Mark Nawaqanitawase, with the debutant NSW winger bringing an additional element to the Blues' attack.
The rugby union convert will make his Origin debut at the MCG on Wednesday night, earning a start after the Blues' backline was reshuffled following injury to Casey McLean.
Since crossing to the NRL after playing with the Wallabies in the 2023 Rugby World Cup and sevens at the 2024 Olympics, Nawaqanitawase has proved a revelation for the Sydney Roosters.
His try-scoring heroics saw the 25-year-old earn Kangaroos selection for the Ashes in 2025, and Nawaqanitawase willl now square off against many of his Australian teammates in the second Origin battle.
Standing 20cm taller than Brian To'o and 10cm more than Tolu Koula, who played on the Blues' wing in their game one win, Nawaqanitawase presents as a different weapon in NSW's attacking arsenal.
