- Steve Roach mispronounced Roosters NRL recruit Mark Nawaqanitawase
- Cross-code star is of Fijian origin, made recent debut against Rabbitohs
- Nawaqanitawase represented Australia in Sevens Rugby at Paris Olympics
- Also turned out for Wallabies at 2023 Rugby World Cup under Eddie Jones
Footy legend Steve ‘Blocker’ Roach has come under fire after mispronouncing the surname of a Pacific Island player.
Speaking on Fox Sports’ NRL Tonight on Monday, the Balmain Tigers great was speaking about talented cross-code Roosters recruit Mark Nawaqanitawase, proclaiming that he’s ‘going to be a good player’.
But moments later, the NSW Blues and Australian prop made a woeful attempt at pronouncing his name, calling him Mark ‘Wangawangawangawanga’.
Host Matt Russell quickly jumped in and stated Nawaqanitawase’s surname correctly – and it didn’t take long for footy fans to slam Roach on social media.
‘Such a shame Steve Roach couldn’t be bothered to learn the correct pronunciation of Mark Nawaqanitawase’s name. I hope Fox [Sports] don’t condone Roach making fun of his surname,’ Roosters supporter Alan Katzmann tweeted on X.
‘His signing was announced over two months ago. Everyone in the media has had plenty of time to learn it.’
Another fan was on the same page, responding with: ‘100% agree, especially when the Roosters have put out a social media post of Mark pronouncing his name correctly.’
A third weighed in with: ‘So disappointing. It’s disrespectful. I wish Lote [Tuqiri] and Petero [Civoniceva] made more of a fuss about how their surnames were pronounced.
‘It’s not too late to make a difference. And more importantly, it’s not that difficult.’
Footy legend Steve ‘Blocker’ Roach has come under fire after mispronouncing the surname of a Pacific Island player
Cross-code star Mark Nawaqanitawase impressed on the wing during his NRL debut for the Roosters last Friday
Mark Nawaqanitawase’s try in the first half from a Luke Keary cross-field kick displayed his athleticism (pictured)
A fourth said: ‘[Warriors star] Dallin Watene-Zelezniak debuted 10 years ago and Blocker [Roach] still doesn’t bother saying his name properly. It’s amateurish.’
Roach, 62, has been employed by Fox Sports since 2016.
Two years earlier he was sacked by 2GB Radio after a staff member filed a bullying complaint against him.
It is understood Roach’s role over the airwaves was terminated after telling then producer James Willis to ‘get me a coffee, you ****’.
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 he left the free-to-air network as he refused to wear dresses during playful skits.
Daily Mail Australia approached Fox Sports for comment.
