NRL Boss Publicly Declares ‘Man Crush’ on Departing Rooster at Rugby World Cup Opener

At the opening match of the Rugby World Cup between Australia and New Zealand, NRL chief Peter V’landys turned heads for a reason other than the on‑field action.

In front of a packed stadium and a host of officials, V’landys announced he had a “man crush” on Mark Nawaqanitawase, the departing Roosters player who is set to switch codes to rugby union.

The unexpected confession turned a high‑profile international fixture into an impromptu love‑letter, prompting chuckles from fans and bewildered glances from commentators.

Nawaqanitawase’s move to union appears final, and V’landys’ public admiration is unlikely to change that, but it certainly gave the match a memorable side‑note.