- Steve Roach has taken a dig at Roosters NRL recruit Mark Nawaqanitawase
- The Cross-code star is of Fijian descent and made his debut recently against the Rabbitohs
- NoAqanitawase represented Australia in rugby sevens at the Paris Olympics
- He also played for the Wallabies at the 2023 Rugby World Cup under Eddie Jones
Football great Steve Roach’s professionalism has been called into question after he openly mocked Roosters recruit Mark Nawaqanitawase’s surname on live television.
In embarrassing scenes on Fox Sports’ NRL Tonight show on Monday, the former Balmain Tigers prop acknowledged the cross-code star was “going to be a good player” in the NRL before a woeful attempt to pronounce his name.
In the video, Roach calls former Fijian Wallaby Mark ‘Wangawangawanga’.
Presenter Matt Russell quickly stepped in and said Nawaqanitawase’s surname correctly, and it wasn’t long before football fans were criticising Roach on social media.
“It’s a shame Steve Roach hasn’t bothered to learn the correct pronunciation of Mark Nawaqanitawase’s name. I hope Fox (Sports) doesn’t tolerate Roach making fun of his surname,” Roosters fan Alan Katzmann tweeted on X.
“His signing was announced more than two months ago. All the media have had plenty of time to find out about it.”
Another fan agreed, replying: “I agree 100% especially when the Roosters posted a social media post of Mark pronouncing his name correctly.”
A third said: “It’s very disappointing. It’s disrespectful. I wish Lote (Tuqiri) and Petero (Civoniceva) would make more noise about how their surnames were pronounced.”
“It’s not too late to make a difference. And more importantly, it’s not that hard.”
Football great Steve Roach’s professionalism has been called into question after he openly mocked Roosters recruit Mark Nawaqanitawase’s surname on live television.
Cross-Code star Mark Nawaqanitawase impressed on the wing during his NRL debut for the Roosters last Friday.
Mark Nawaqanitawase’s first-half try from Luke Keary’s cross-kick showed his athleticism (pictured)
A fourth said: ‘(Warriors star) Dallin Watene-Zelezniak debuted 10 years ago and Blocker (Roach) still can’t be bothered to say his name correctly. It’s amateurish.’
Roach, 62, has worked for Fox Sports since 2016.
Two years earlier he was fired from 2GB Radio after a staff member filed a harassment complaint against him.
Roach’s role on the airwaves is known to have been terminated after he told then-producer James Willis: “Get me some coffee, you idiot.”
Roach was also sacked by Channel Nine in 1999 after being a regular on The Footy Show with the likes of Paul ‘Fatty’ Vautin and Peter Sterling.
At the time, Roach stated that she left the broadcast network because she refused to wear dresses during the playful skits.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Fox Sports for comment.
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