Australian males’s rugby sevens coach John Manenti says Mark Nawaqanitawase’s ‘alternative will come’ after the previous Wallaby was barely sighted of their Olympic pool stage wins over Samoa and Kenya.
The 23-year outdated, who will head to the NRL and the Sydney Roosters following the Olympics after confirming his departure from rugby union earlier this yr, got here on for the final two minutes in opposition to Samoa with victory sealed, solely to be sidestepped after a defensive dash to let in a comfort strive.
He was then unused within the group’s 21-7 win over Kenya that seals a quarter-final berth forward of their last pool stage recreation in opposition to Argentina on Thursday evening at 10:30pm (AEST).
Because the group’s most well-known participant owing to his exploits in Wallabies gold – in addition to his impending NRL swap – Nawaqanitawase’s restricted involvement raised eyebrows, however talking after the twin wins, Manenti mentioned it was ‘all the time the plan with him’, owing to his restricted rugby sevens expertise and the presence of captain Nick Malouf and vice-captain Henry Hutchison in a robust group of forwards.
He’s not educated like the opposite boys round taking part in large minutes… and within the forwards the place he’s taking part in, they’re all large minute gamers,” Manenti mentioned.
“One’s my captain [Malouf], one’s my vice captain [Hutchison], and Nathan Lawson usually performs 14-minute video games.
“Like I mentioned, his alternative will come, and Mark is absolutely conscious of that.
“There’s no expectation or ideas that I’ve to play for any extra time… whereas we’re profitable video games of footy and he’s contributing, I’m actually joyful.”
Talking to reporters, Nawaqanitawase was additionally more than pleased to place the group first.
“It’s been an extended 5 weeks – a variety of working, a variety of vomiting,” he mentioned of his preparation for the Olympics.
“However I really feel good now. I really feel able to run on the market and play the sport in opposition to somebody.
“My time will come. [I’ll do] simply no matter was wanted for the group. “I’m joyful to do regardless of the group wants.”
Nawaqanitawase was much less forthcoming when requested about his impending NRL swap, nervously laughing earlier than saying it was ‘one thing for one more time’.
“That’s sooner or later – however for the time being, I actually need to do that jersey proud, do that nation proud, and hopefully carry again a gold medal,” he mentioned.