The future of Wallabies star Mark Nawaqanitawase in the 15-man code may be in question following a significant meeting between the winger and the Roosters NRL club.
After the Sydney Morning Herald reported a scheduled meeting between the Waratah and the Roosters, the journalists involved have verified its occurrence and revealed Nawaqanitawase’s desire to make a move.
Known as Marky Mark, the 23-year-old was among the standout Wallabies players this year in a team struggling for victories. His emergence occurred amid the turmoil within the Wallabies following the dismissal of Dave Rennie less than a year from the Rugby World Cup, with a further downturn under the return of coach Eddie Jones, who has since departed.
Nawaqanitawase made his debut under Rennie and excelled with two tries against Wales in Cardiff, solidifying his position in Jones’ side.
“The Roosters held a meeting with Mark Nawaqanitawase last week,” league journalist Michael Chammas explained on LiSTNR Sport’s Footy Talk League Podcast. “I believe they met on Tuesday, and I’m fairly certain the Roosters are preparing to present him with an offer.
Rugby league reporter Danny Wielder interjected: “He wants to switch to league?” “He wants to switch to league,” Chammas confirmed. “I think this has been an ongoing consideration for several months. He was unsettled before the World Cup, then went on to become the Wallabies’ standout player during a disappointing World Cup campaign.
“Now the Roosters are eyeing him as a potential winger to fill the void left by Daniel Tupou.”
Rugby league is launching a counter-offensive against union in Australia, with salary cap exemptions for signing players outside of the NRL, which could make a deal for Nawaqanitawase feasible for the Roosters.
This signing is seen as a retaliatory move after Rugby Australia secured a massive three-year deal from 2025 for young Roosters star Joseph Suaali’i.
With the British & Irish Lions tour arriving in 2025 and Australia hosting the 2027 Rugby World Cup, the upcoming period is arguably the prime time to be part of the Wallabies setup.
While losing such a dynamic talent would be a significant blow for Australian Rugby, the uncertainty at the top in Rugby Australia, and the absence of a current coach for the Wallabies, has led to apprehension about the team’s future.