Wallabies star Mark Nawaqanitawase switches code to join Sydney Roosters
Mark Nawaqanitawase has played 11 Tests for Australia
©PA
Rugby league giants Sydney Roosters has announced the signing of Wallabies star Mark Nawaqanitawase.
Nawaqanitawase started his career with Eastwood in 2018 and moved to New South Wales Country Eagles in 2019. He made his Super Rugby debut with Waratahs in 2020 and also represented Australia A and Australia Under 20 sides.
Roosters head of recruitment Daniel Anderson confirmed that Nawaqanitawase has joined the club on a two-year deal.
“We’re delighted to have secured Mark’s services and look forward to welcoming him to our club in 2025,” said Anderson in a statement.
The 23-year-old made his Wallabies debut during the 2022 Autumn international series and has featured in 11 Tests. He was one of the key performer in their disastrous Rugby World Cup campaign in France where they were eliminated in the opening round.
“We are disappointed – Mark has been a strong player over the last 12 months,” Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh said.
“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 wings for the future.”
Meanwhile, Nawaqanitawase’s agent Andrew Fairbairn did not rule out the possibility of him returning back to the union ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
“At 23, Mark feels now is the best time to stay in Australia, but have a new experience in the Roosters program for 2025 and 2026,” he told the Sydney Morning Herald.
“We hope the door will be open for Mark to return to the Wallabies fold in the future.”
