Code-hopping star Mark Nawaqanitawase won’t be making a call on his future any time soon, but says the lure of playing in the 2027 Rugby World Cup on Australian soil will be a significant factor in his next contract.
Nawaqanitawase’s blossoming rugby league career is still just 10 months old, but has delivered 11 tries in 12 games (second in the NRL) this season, and talk of a Roosters contract extension already.
Tricolours management have been impressed with Nawaqanitawase’s form and character, and have already raised the prospect of an upgraded deal beyond 2026.
All contract talks have been parked until the end of this season following early dialogue with his management, given Nawaqanitawase’s initial two-year, $500,000-a-year deal still has 18 months to run.
Nonetheless, the Roosters are wary of a potential Rugby Australia bid to lure the former Wallaby and Olympic sevens star back. Expansion outfit Perth Bears are also viewed as a potential poaching threat from November 1 when Nawaqanitawase can field official offers from NRL rivals.
The 24-year-old was surprised but chuffed when told of the Roosters’ interest in re-signing talks after he scored two tries in Sunday’s 42-8 thumping of North Queensland, and insisted his priority remains on the paddock.
Given the obvious appeal of fighting for a Wallabies World Cup berth though, with Australia hosting the tournament from October 2027, Nawaqanitawase said the marquee event has been on his radar since he made his switch to rugby league.
Mark Nawaqanitawase scoring tries is already a regular sight for the Roosters.Credit: Getty Images
“Honestly, I’m just getting into my footy still,” Nawaqanitawase said. “I’ve got to focus on my game given it is a new game I’m still learning.
“The next 18 months are locked in, but I’m really not sure after that. I’ve honestly looked as far as [the Cowboys] game, and then the bye we’ve got.
“Absolutely though, that World Cup is there, and it is on home soil. That’s why I signed for two years in the first place and that is something I will have to consider.
“But I’ve got to say I’m loving the Roosters and loving rugby league, too. It will be a tough call, but it’s not one I need to make now. We’ll see what happens.”
Incoming Wallabies coach Les Kiss was doubtful rugby could prise Nawaqanitawase away from the Roosters when asked last month.
Mark Nawaqanitawase on the fly for the Wallabies.Credit: Getty Images
“He’s in a good place at the moment to stay at the Roosters – I do know he’s done well enough there for the Roosters to not let him go,” Kiss told reporters at a NSW training session before Origin I.
Despite his 11 Tests for the Wallabies and impressive NRL form, Nawaqanitawase would be no walk-up starter for the Australian side, given Tom Wright, Max Jorgensen, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Andrew Kellaway have emerged as strong outside back options.
A one-season deal in Japan from late 2026 could present another avenue in the 15-man game, while keeping Nawaqanitawase available for World Cup selection as well, though Japan-based stars Samu Kerevi and Marika Koroibete were last week both passed over for the upcoming British and Irish Lions tour.
Nawaqanitawase’s NRL learning curve has included recent jitters under the high ball, most notably when he made five errors against Canterbury in a tense 24-20 loss.
In between mistakes he scored a remarkable try, a chip, chase and stunning regather down the sideline that attracted more than 70 million views on social media.
“Like anyone that makes mistakes, you’ve got to work on it don’t you?” Nawaqanitawase said.
“I’m still confident. I know I can catch a ball and I can handle bombs, but I understand teams targeting me a bit after that, too.
“No one’s perfect; I’ll have an off day every now and then like everyone. You just have to go out there the next time and rectify it. It’s just part of the game.”
Along with several rising Roosters teammates this season, Nawaqanitawase has revelled in Trent Robinson’s backing of a freewheeling approach with the ball.
Moments like his ill-advised kick immediately after a six-again call against the Cowboys point to the adjustments still to come in Nawaqanitawase’s game, but so far, his code-switch has been an overwhelming success.
“Robbo’s got his game plan and I really enjoy it, because beyond that initial structure and earning our opportunities, it’s just footy for me,” he said.
“He’ll also back you to play your footy and that’s just the coach he is. I’m almost a year in now and I feel like I really do know the role I’ve got here. I’m feeling confident each week.”
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