A little more than a month after representing Australia at the Olympics, Mark Nawaqanitawase will celebrate his anticipated cross-code switch with an NRL debut in league’s most fierce rivalry.

Nawaqanitawase will run onto Accor Stadium in jersey No.20 for the Roosters in Friday’s clash with arch-rivals South Sydney after only three appearances in the NSW Cup.

That was all it took for Roosters coach Trent Robinson to be convinced his prized recruit is ready for the rigours of first grade. While the Roosters don’t want to rush his progression, the chance to blood him in a game that will have little bearing on their finals campaign was too good to pass up.

Robinson has also handed a debut to giant teenage prop De La Salle Va’a, while fellow 19-year-old Blake Steep is set to play his third NRL game in place of Lindsay Collins.

In three games in reserves, Nawaqanitawase has scored two tries, made three line-breaks, notched a line-break assist and averaged 173 running metres. The 23-year-old is expected to replace winger Dominic Young, who is in doubt due to a calf injury.

With the side ravaged by injury – Brandon Smith and Sam Walker suffered serious knee injuries, while Victor Radley is unlikely to play again this season due to a shoulder issue – Robinson opted to give Nawaqanitawase a run before the finals.