The Sydney Roosters will be desperate to snap a two-game losing streak when they take on South Sydney in Round 5.
They face their arch-rivals in the midst of a poor run of form, which has seen them knocked off by New Zealand and the Gold Coast in consecutive weeks after previously stunning Penrith.
And their task against the Rabbitohs, who have won three of their opening four matches, has received a major setback on the eve of the clash.
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Why Mark Nawaqanitawase won’t play against the Rabbitohs
Mark Nawaqanitawase has been a shining light for Trent Robinson during the first month of the season with the cross-code star looking at home in the centres.
The 24-year-old has scored two tries and provided an assist in his four appearances as he has forged a promising combination with veteran winger Daniel Tupou, despite the Chooks managing just one win so far in the campaign.
Nawaqanitawase has turned into one of his side’s best attacking outlets and has registered four linebreaks and 13 tackle busts to illustrate his damaging running style.
However, Robinson will be unable to call upon him for the grudge match against the Bunnies after he was ruled out due to calf tightness. The club has yet to confirm the severity of the injury or the timeline for his return.
The news comes after Nawaqanitawase struggled with a calf complaint in the Pre-Season Challenge.
Billy Smith will take over in the centres in Nawaqanitawase’s absence as the injury-plagued star prepares to feature in the NRL for the first time in well over a year.
The 25-year-old has clocked 27 appearances to date as injuries have curtailed his career.
Smith debuted for the Bondi outfit in 2019 and he has been in and out of the side ever since, with the backline talent not playing for the Roosters at all last year as he battled with foot and ankle issues.