Roosters star Mark Nawaqanitawase is firming for a call-up to the Kangaroos squad for the end-of-season Ashes tour of the UK with new coach Kevin Walters impressed by his debut season in the NRL.

Nawaqanitawase went close to getting a call-up for NSW during the State of Origin series and his continued strong form for the Roosters has caught the attention of Walters.

With Origin wingers Brian To’o and potentially Valentine Holmes, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Xavier Coates set to declare their international allegiances elsewhere, Walters needs depth in the outside backs.

Nawaqanitawase’s ability to play on the wing as well as fill in at centre and fullback is a huge plus for the 24-year-old former Wallaby who has scored 14 tries in his first 18 NRL appearances.

He will be competing with teammate Robert Toia and Eels ace Zac Lomax for a spot out wide alongside the likes of established Test stars Latrell Mitchell, Tom Trbojevic and Dylan Edwards in the Australian backline.

“Everyone has been impressed by his transition from union to league,” Walters told The Daily Telegraph.

“The skill set that he got from union is helping him big time in league. He is athletic and has a big carry and from what I’ve seen, the bigger the stage, the better he goes.

Up front, Jake Trbojevic could be in for a surprise recall.

With Payne Haas and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui likely to represent Samoa and Stefano Utoikamanu looking to commit to Tonga, Origin props Patrick Carrigan, Lindsay Smith and debutant Max King are the frontrunners for the Test squad.

Storm veteran Josh King, Cowboys co-captain Reuben Cotter and Trbojevic are also pushing their claims for the middle-forward rotation behind skipper Isaah Yeo.

(Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

“Jake has never let anyone down when he has played for Australia – we want 22 blokes ready to go, who want to play for their country, and Jake certainly fits that category,” Walters told The Sydney Morning Herald.

“His tackling technique is so good – ask someone who has been hit by him, and they’ll give you your answer.

“A person of his calibre and character is always important to a team.”

Doueihi won’t be changing stripes

In-form Wests Tigers utility Adam Doueihi will turn his back on a two-year offer from the Dragons to remain at his junior club.

Doueihi was only offered a one-year extenstion by the Tigers and was on the verge of joining St George Illawarra who had put two seasons on the table.

But the Tigers doubled their offer as a reward for his excellent recent form and he is set to sign on the dotted line.

Doueihi was their best player in last Sunday’s upset win over Canterbury and with the ability to play multiple positions, he is a handy asset for coach Benji Marshall.

The Tigers have added Newcastle second-rower Kai Pearce-Paul, Penrith’s Mavrik Geyer and Roosters young gun Ethan Roberts to boost their pack for next year.

Adam Doueihi. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Disgruntled Eel demands release

Kiwi international Bailey Simonsson has demanded an immediate release from Parramatta after he has been cast aside by Jason Ryles as part of his overhaul of the club’s roster.

Simonsson, who played in the 2022 grand final among the 56 matches he has turned out for the Eels since joining from Canberra three years ago, has only been used six times this season.

The speedy utility back was expecting a recall to the team this weekend for the home game against North Queensland after injured centre Sean Russell was ruled out.

However, Ryles has selected rookie Jordan Samrani ahead of him with speculation surfacing that out-of-favour five-eighth Dylan Brown might get a recall at centre for the clash with the Cowboys.

Simonsson is contracted until the end of 2027 but wants out and the SMH has reported that he has twice previously requested a release in the past month only to be knocked back.

Several established Eels stars have been shown the door since Ryles took over at the end of last season with Clint Gutherson, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Ryan Matterson, Joe Ofahengaue, Shaun Lane and Bryce Cartwright no longer at the club.