Ronaldo Mulitalo has promised to control his ego while renewing one of the NRL’s fiercest individual rivalries with Sydney Roosters superstar Mark Nawaqanitawase in Saturday’s sudden-death final at Allianz Stadium.
The two wingers have produced a series of explosive confrontations during the past two seasons, combining spectacular tries, aerial contests, physical collisions and relentless verbal exchanges.
Nawaqanitawase comprehensively won their most recent duel as the Roosters defeated Cronulla 27-8 in Round 16.
Mulitalo has not forgotten it.
“It probably sucked for me after the game because obviously no one likes the loser,” Mulitalo told NRL.com.
“Every game is important for me. I take it really personally.
“Whoever it is, I’m really excited to have that contest.”
Nawaqanitawase Won Their Last Battle
Mulitalo and Nawaqanitawase last faced each other at Allianz Stadium in June.
The Sharks winger scored first, giving Cronulla an early advantage in both the match and the individual contest developing on their edge.
However, Nawaqanitawase delivered the decisive response.
The former Wallaby scored two late tries as the Roosters completed a convincing 27-8 victory, repeatedly demonstrating his extraordinary ability under the high ball and with possession near the try line.
Mulitalo attempted to unsettle his opponent with physicality and verbal pressure, but Nawaqanitawase refused to retreat.
The confrontation became one of the most entertaining individual matchups of the season.
The Sporting Base argued after the game that Mulitalo had picked the wrong fight as Nawaqanitawase strengthened his claim as the NRL’s best winger.
Mulitalo must now confront the same opponent at the same stadium with considerably more at stake.
The loser’s season will be over.
Rivalry Is Already Tied to Finals History
The pair have faced each other only four times, but their rivalry has developed quickly.
Nawaqanitawase impressed when the Roosters upset Cronulla during Round 12 of the 2025 season.
Mulitalo then produced the perfect response in the opening week of last year’s finals, scoring twice as the Sharks eliminated the Roosters.
Their most recent meeting returned the advantage to Nawaqanitawase.
That history gives Saturday’s contest a genuine competitive edge rather than forcing a rivalry upon two players merely because they occupy opposite wings.
Both men have already produced match-defining performances against the other.
Both understand how quickly the contest can become personal.
Nawaqanitawase could also be preparing for his final NRL match if Cronulla eliminates the Roosters.
The winger is expected to return to rugby union after the season and join Japan’s Saitama Wild Knights as he pursues a place with the Wallabies at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The NRL has reportedly considered an extraordinary short-term agreement that could keep Nawaqanitawase available for the Rugby League World Cup, but no arrangement has been confirmed.
That possibility adds another dimension to the rematch.
Mulitalo may never receive another opportunity to settle their rivalry on an NRL field.
Mulitalo Knows His Emotions Can Become a Weakness
Mulitalo’s intensity has helped establish him as one of Cronulla’s most important and recognisable players.
He carries the ball aggressively, competes for every kick and rarely conceals his emotions.
That approach can lift his teammates and energise supporters.
It can also become a distraction.
Mulitalo acknowledged there have been occasions when his desire to dominate an individual opponent has pulled his attention away from what Cronulla requires.
“It brings the best out of me,” he said.
“I get excited if I know I’ve got someone that loves it. It can go two ways.
“It’s gone bad for me and it’s gone good for me. That’s just the way I play my footy. Finals are a different beast.”
The Sharks winger has previously spoken about working with a sports psychologist, while coach Craig Fitzgibbon has attempted to help him direct his emotions into productive areas.
That work will be tested against an opponent who clearly knows how to provoke him.
Nawaqanitawase possesses the athletic ability to beat Mulitalo without engaging in the theatre surrounding their matchup.
If Mulitalo becomes consumed by winning every collision or exchange, the Roosters can exploit the space and errors created by his aggression.
Ego Cannot Become More Important Than Cronulla
Mulitalo’s most significant comments were not about revenge.
They were about responsibility.
“I’ve got to control some of that,” he said.
“I’ve got to keep it within the team and probably not let my ego get in the way of those battles. That’s the important thing.
“This time of the year is about being selfless and not worrying about my own agendas.”
That represents the correct approach.
Cronulla does not need Mulitalo to win a shouting contest or create another viral confrontation.
It needs him to complete his carries, defend his edge, contest attacking kicks and finish whatever opportunities Nicho Hynes, Braydon Trindall and KL Iro create.
The personal rivalry can provide motivation.
It cannot dictate his decisions.
Nawaqanitawase is too dangerous for Mulitalo to abandon Cronulla’s defensive structure in pursuit of a spectacular hit or isolated victory.
The Roosters winger demonstrated that during their previous meeting.
Mulitalo made the confrontation personal, but Nawaqanitawase made it decisive.
Both Wingers Enter in Outstanding Form
Neither player needs artificial hype before the semi-final.
Mulitalo played an important role in Cronulla’s 26-16 elimination-final victory over North Queensland, repeatedly competing in the air against Cowboys winger Braidon Burns.
The Sharks survived despite the controversy surrounding the decision to move their home final away from Ocean Protect Stadium.
Only 17,429 spectators attended the match at Allianz Stadium, prompting Hynes to describe the empty seats as “embarrassing” before demanding that the NRL help provide a long-term stadium solution.
The Sporting Base examined why Cronulla’s disappointing crowd created uncomfortable questions for both supporters and the NRL.
Nawaqanitawase was also exceptional despite the Roosters’ 19-12 qualifying-final loss to Penrith.
He scored an extraordinary intercept try and prevented several Panthers tries through desperate defensive interventions.
The Roosters were unable to finish the job, but their winger repeatedly kept them in the contest.
Cronulla cannot treat him merely as a finisher.
His athleticism can change a game at either end of the field.
KL Iro Feeds off Mulitalo’s Aggression
Cronulla centre KL Iro will operate immediately inside Mulitalo and understands how much energy the winger’s confrontational approach can generate.
“Ronnie got him last year in the finals and Mark scored a couple of tries and they won the game earlier this year,” Iro said.
“Ronnie also scored as well that night so it was a good battle.
“We thrive on that, especially in finals. There’s going to be a lot of energy and it brings out our best.”
Iro also revealed that he occasionally finds himself attempting to control the verbal exchanges occurring around him.
“I’m in between him and Trindall sledging people, so every now and then I tell them to settle down,” he said.
“But they’re just having fun. They’re passionate people, I let them do their thing and we feed off each other.”
That relationship could be crucial.
Iro and Mulitalo must defend as a connected pair against a Roosters right edge capable of creating opportunities from almost nothing.
Emotion may help them compete.
Discipline will determine whether they survive.
One Final Duel Could Decide the Season
The Roosters will enter the match with uncertainty surrounding injured halfback Sam Walker.
Coach Trent Robinson has refused to completely dismiss the possibility of a remarkable return, declaring “never say never” when questioned about his availability.
However, as outlined in The Sporting Base’s report on Walker’s finals hopes, no comeback has been confirmed.
Regardless of who controls the Roosters’ attack, Nawaqanitawase will remain one of their most dangerous weapons.
Cronulla will understand that repeated kicks towards his wing could expose even the smallest positional error.
Mulitalo faces the challenge he appears to crave.
He has been beaten by Nawaqanitawase at Allianz Stadium, eliminated him from a previous finals series and now has the opportunity to end his NRL career.
The rivalry promises another spectacular chapter.
But Mulitalo’s comments show he understands that personal redemption is secondary.
If he controls his emotions and helps Cronulla progress, the result will speak considerably louder than anything he can say to Nawaqanitawase during the match.
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