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Roosters star confirms rugby union defection
Sam Kosack • September 23rd, 2025 5:32 pm
Mark Nawaqanitawase playing for the Wallabies in 2023 | Photo: James Ross/AAP
Sydney Roosters’ flyer Mark Nawaqanitawase will return to rugby union at the end of the 2026 season to join Australia’s home World Cup campaign.
Nawaqanitawase has been a breakout sensation for the Roosters in 2025, topping the try-scoring ladder and pushing for Kangaroos selection on Australia’s end-of-season Ashes series.
Deemed ineligible for the rookie of the year award due to his prior experience in union, Nawaqanitawase has indicated to Roosters’ powerbrokers he will finish up at the club to return to rugby union and be eligible for the Wallabies’ World Cup campaign on Australian soil in 2027, per The Sydney Morning Herald.
After setting the NRL alight in 2025, Mark Nawaqanitawase is a precious commodity | Photo: Mark Evans/AAP
He is expected to play union overseas after rule changes meant he can represent the Wallabies despite not playing in the Super Rugby Pacific competition.
Nawaqanitawase has played 11 Tests for the Wallabies in 2022 and 2023 and was part of the rugby sevens team at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The Roosters’ winger has scored 25 tries in 24 appearances this season, including two hat-tricks and a four-try haul.
