Flying Wallabies winger Mark Nawaqanitawase will switch codes to join the NRL’s Sydney Roosters from 2025, Rugby Australia have confirmed.
Nawaqanitawase, who has won 11 caps for Australia since making his debut on last year’s tour of Europe, will join the Roosters on a two-year deal.
The defection of one of their brightest rising stars is a big loss for Rugby Australia (RA) at a time when the code is under increasing scrutiny following a hugely disappointing World Cup campaign.
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“We are disappointed, Mark has been a strong player over the last 12 months,” RA chief executive Phil Waugh said in a statement on Thursday.
“However, the outside backs are a position of strength for us, with great depth coming through.
“We are confident we are well-stocked with talented wingers for the future.”
Despite the player not moving to rugby league until the season after next, RA appeared to close the door on him appearing for the Wallabies in the interim.
“Rugby Australia wishes to thank Nawaqanitawase for his efforts in his 11 Test appearances, as well as for the Waratahs and the Australia Sevens team at the Commonwealth Games,” the organisation said in a statement.
Nawaqanitawase’s move follows months of back and forth between RA and the Roosters, who were furious when Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii was wooed to rugby union by recently ousted RA chairman Hamish McLennan.
RA also tried to sign Roosters back-rower Angus Crichton but that move fell over after the Origin forward’s camp became increasingly frustrated with the governing body’s negotiating tactics.
“Rooster-bound winger Mark Nawaqanitawase had most try involvements of Wallabies, was 2nd busiest carrier (behind Rob Valetini) + was among most evasive runners (of 35+ carry group) in RWC France. He’s 23. ‘The Hamish (McLennan) touch’: opposite of Midas. The gold flies away,” rugby podcaster Harry Jones wrote.
Nawaqanitawase’s move was branded “another hammer blow for rugby” by X account RugbyInsideLine: “One of the few shining lights in Australian rugby union has just gone out. Huge shame.”
One fan responded: “Payback for pinching Suaalii. The young kid (Suaalii) is a bigger scalp for Aus Rugby though.”
Another union supporter said he has “zero interest” in watching Nawaqanitawase play for the Waratahs in 2024 as a result of the early signing but others were more hopeful for the future.
“Nawaqanitawase going to league means one less contract. I wonder who the next young gun will be. Can’t wait to find out,” a Brumbies fan wrote.
The silver lining for rugby union is that Nawaqanitawase’s two-year contract with the Roosters offers the possibility of a return to the fold ahead of the World Cup in Australia in 2027.
His code-switch will, however, prevent him from facing the British and Irish Lions in 2025.
“I suspect Nawaqanitawase may live to regret turning his back on a home Lions series,” another rugby fan said.
“I also believe he shouldn’t be allowed to walk back into a home World Cup, when other players would have slogged their guts out in the preceding seasons.”
– with 7NEWS