Mulitalo embraces challenge against Nawaqanitawase in NRL semi-final

Ronaldo Mulitalo of the Cronulla Sharks faces Mark Nawaqanitawase of the Sydney Roosters in a sudden-death NRL semi-final on Saturday. The rivalry between the two players has developed over their past encounters, including a notable match in Round 16 this year. Mulitalo expressed respect for Nawaqanitawase's talent, describing him as a 'freakish player'. The Sharks enter this match coming off a dominant win against the Cowboys, while the Roosters are looking to end a four-match losing streak. Saturday's match is crucial as Nawaqanitawase will leave for Japanese rugby after the season, marking potentially the last meeting between the two players.

• 10:21 PMZero Tackle NRL — “He’s a freakish player”: Mulitalo on the battle that could shape NRL semi-final