Veteran Fox Sports commentator Steve Roach comes under fire for mocking Sydney Roosters recruit Mark Nawaqanitawase’s name: ‘Insulting’
- Steve Roach mocked Roosters NRL recruit Mark Nawaqanitawase
- Cross-code star is of Fijian descent, recently made his debut against Rabbitohs
- Noaqanitawase represented Australia in Sevens Rugby at the Paris Olympics
- Also for the Wallabies at the 2023 Rugby World Cup under Eddie Jones
The professionalism of football legend Steve Roach is in doubt after he openly mocked the surname of Roosters player Mark Nawaqanitawase on live television.
In painful scenes on Fox Sports’ NRL Tonight on Monday, the former Balmain Tigers presenter acknowledged the star player will make “a good player” in the NRL, before making a pathetic attempt to pronounce his name.
In the video, Roach calls the former Wallaby, who is of Fijian descent, Mark ‘Wangawangawangawanga’.
Presenter Matt Russell jumped in immediately and correctly named Nawaqanitawase’s surname. It wasn’t long before football fans were slamming Roach on social media.
‘What a shame Steve Roach didn’t bother to learn the correct pronunciation of Mark Nawaqanitawase’s name. I hope Fox [Sports] “We must not tolerate Roach making fun of his surname,” Roosters supporter Alan Katzmann tweeted on X.
“His signing was announced more than two months ago. Everyone in the media has had enough time to find out.”
Another fan agreed, commenting: ‘I totally agree with you, especially as the Roosters have put out a post on social media showing 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 the pronunciation of their surnames.
“It’s not too late to make a difference. And more importantly, it’s not that hard.”
The professionalism of football great Steve Roach has been called into question after he openly ridiculed Roosters recruit Mark Nawaqanitawase’s surname on live television
Cross-code star Mark Nawaqanitawase impressed on the wing on his NRL debut for the Roosters last Friday
Mark Nawaqanitawase’s first-half effort from a cross-field kick from Luke Keary showed his athleticism (pictured)
A fourth said: ‘[Warriors star] Dallin Watene-Zelezniak made his debut 10 years ago and Blocker [Roach] still doesn’t bother to pronounce his name properly. It’s amateurish.’
Roach, 62, has been with Fox Sports since 2016.
Two years earlier, he was fired from 2GB Radio after a staff member filed a bullying complaint against him.
Roach’s on-air role was reportedly terminated after he asked then-producer James Willis, “Get me a coffee, you idiot.”
Roach was also sacked by Channel Nine in 1999 after being a regular guest on The Footy Show with the likes of Paul ‘Fatty’ Vautin and Peter Sterling.
Roach stated at the time that he left the free-to-air network because he refused to wear dresses during playful sketches.
Ny Breaking Australia approached Fox Sports for comment.