Dragons rugby sevens convert Nathan Lawson has revealed how fellow code-hopper Mark Nawaqanitawase helped prepare him for his NRL debut.
The 26-year-old, who represented Australia at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics, impressed in his first NRL appearance for St George Illawarra in last Friday night's 20-6 defeat of Newcastle at Jubilee Stadium.
Nawaqanitawase also played in the Australian sevens team at last year's Paris Olympics before the pair made the switch to the NRL, and he has been starring for Sydney Roosters this season.
Lawson said he sought advice from Nawaqanitawase and Eels back Bailey Simonsson, a schoolmate at Newington College, as he made the transition to league.
"Me and Mark are actually good mates, we came through a few sevens tournaments together, we played a few comps and played a bit of footy growing up," Lawson said.
"It was good to be able to lean on him and Bailey Simmonsen, I went to school with him as well. I’ve been chatting to those two boys, they make it look pretty easy.”
All the angles: THAT Mark Nawaqanitawase Try
The two-time Olympian said that the most challenging aspect of the move was the unrelenting intensity and high-octane nature of the NRL.
A forward in sevens, Lawson had a handy night out on the wing in his first NRL game, finishing with seven tackle breaks, one line break and 180 running metres from 17 carries of the ball.
He had only played a few games of rugby league prior to his NRL call-up, a testament to Lawson's athleticism.
“I played a handful of NSW Cup games just leading into this, but it doesn't really prepare you for the intensity out there," Lawson said. "I'm just happy to get that done and move forward now.
Lawson can run
“There's not that many breaks and the breaks are short, so you just constantly move in defence up and back. It's tough. It's a constant game, and you've just got to stay in it for the full 80 minutes.”
Lawson said he had made the switch as he wanted to continue to test himself in the climate of an NRL system.
“I just wanted to challenge myself and put myself out of my comfort zone and I've definitely done that," he said.
"Coming across here, I just wanted to make sure I was always pushing and wanting to learn. I've got that and I just want to keep learning and getting better now."
Nathan Lawson presented Dragons jersey
Lawson's debut at Jubilee Stadium was a full-circle moment for the 2025 Australian rugby sevens player of the year, who has been a long-term supporter of the joint-venture club.
Despite his decorated record sheet in the sevens code, Lawson has been a fan of the Red V since he was a kid, looking up to 2010 premiership winning backs Jamie Soward and Mark Gasnier.
“I grew up supporting the Dragons. I grew up in Cronulla, but from a young age, me and my best mate supported the Dragons when we were young," Lawson said.
"Growing up I watched Jamie Soward and Mark Gasnier and all those guys, so it was pretty special to pull on that jersey and get out there.”
Dragons coach Shane Flanagan was full of praise for Lawson’s debut performance on the wing, saying he brings competitiveness and intensity to the Red V.
“He was good under the high ball, he made a really nice line break. We knew he was going to compete really hard, he’s just that type of personality," Flanagan said.
"He’s a real tradesman at his job, he’ll catch balls and he’ll bring the ball back really strong."
