The 25-year-old has played at an Olympics, won caps for the Wallabies and featured for the Kangaroos in last year's Ashes whitewash.
He has also forced commentators to brush up on their pronunciation of his Fijian surname in a career packed full of highlights of scarcely believable finishes.
But there's one goal Nawaqanitawase has had since he was a child that he will finally get to fulfil on Wednesday night in the minutes before kick-off in game two of the State of Origin series.
Nawaqanitawase made his name in the 15-man game but grew up playing league, and says he always loved tuning in for the traditional pre-game intros.
When team lists are read out on the Nine Network's coverage, players turn to the camera, fold their arms and read out their name and that of their junior club.
"Mark Nawaqanitawase, Leichhardt Wanderers," the winger proudly told AAP, crossing his arms with a big smile.
"I was laughing (at the shoot with Nine) … I literally watched it growing up and (loved) watching players do it and now I'm getting to go and do it.
"It was the thing, all the names pop up on the screen and the way they turn around and say their name, to be here and get a chance to do that is surreal."
Nawaqanitawase was initially named on Laurie Daley's bench for Wednesday's clash at MCG, before a leg injury to Casey McLean cleared the way for a whirlwind debut,
The Origin debut is further vindication of Nawaqanitawase's bold decision to switch codes in mid-2024.
"I know I haven't done anything yet for this team (NSW), but what I've done for the Roosters and Kangaroos and the whole journey has been amazing," he said.
"I took a massive gamble, but I've really felt the rewards."
Nawaqanitawase has made quite the impression on the NRL in only 36 top-flight games, becoming known for his skilfulness and finishing ability.
"He's definitely special, I haven't seen many like him before," said Roosters and Blues teammate James Tedesco.
"You see the freaky stuff he does on the field. He finishes a lot of the 50-50 opportunities, you just give him a bit of space and a bit of time and he finishes them off nine times out of 10."
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