Sydney Roosters have landed a major blow in the code war with rugby union, signing exciting Wallabies flyer Mark Nawaqanitawase on a two-year deal beginning in 2025.
The versatile outside back has been a rare shining light for Australia in recent years, and with his deal set to expire at the end of next year, had opted to switch codes and link up with the powerhouse NRL club.
The 23-year-old has already made 11 appearances in the national side, including at the recent World Cup campaign, but will depart the sport after the recent mess involving Eddie Jones and Hamish McLennan.
Nawaqanitawase will act as a direct swap for union-bound Joseph Suaalii, who inked a rich $4.8 million deal with Rugby Australia earlier this year.
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Mark Nawaqanitawase signs two-year deal with Sydney Roosters
“We’re delighted to have secured Mark’s services and look forward to welcoming him to our club in 2025," Daniel Anderson, Roosters' head of recruitment, said.
"In the meantime, we wish him all the best for a successful 2024 in rugby union.”
Rugby Australia boss Phil Waugh also confirmed the news and admitted the organisation were disappointed to lose one of their rising stars.
“We are disappointed – Mark has been a strong player over the last 12 months," he 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 wingers for the future.”
Nawaqanitawase spoke exclusively on The Sporting News/YKTR EBBS AND FLOWS podcast earlier this year, admitting he was open to a transition across to league despite being a lifelong union prodigy.
Who is Mark Nawaqanitawase? Career and bio
Nawaqanitawase was born and raised in the Sydney suburb of Burwood.
He actually played rugby league as a child for both Concord-Burwood Wolves and Leichhardt Wanderers before making the switch to union at 14 years old.
In schoolboy rugby, he made his mark for St Patrick's College Strathfield, providing pathways to first grade with Eastwood in the Shute Shield. He made 17 appearances for Eastwood, scoring 45 points in his debut season.
Nawaqanitawase's professional career began in 2019 with the NSW Country Eagles in the now-defunct National Rugby Championshipm, before joining the NSW Waratahs in the Super Rugby competition the following year.
He has remained there since and has scored 105 points in 42 appearances across three seasons.
Nawaqanitawase got his first taste of international rugby when he represented Australia at the Oceania Rugby U20 Championship in 2019.
He made the step up to the Australia A squad in 2022 where he helped the team finish second at the Pacific Nations Cup, and his performances saw him called up to the Wallabies in the same year.
Typically a winger, Nawaqanitawase also has the skillset to play fullback and centre, making him the perfect man to fill the hole left by Suaalii in 2025.
How do you pronounce Mark Nawaqanitawase's name?
Nawaqanitawase's Fijian surname is pronounced "Nuh-wonga-neetar-wahzee", per Rugby.com.au.