Rugby Australia Expresses Disappointment Over Nawaqanitawase’s NRL Move

In a significant blow to Rugby Australia (RA), promising Wallabies winger Mark Nawaqanitawase has officially sealed a deal to join the NRL’s Sydney Roosters from the 2025 season. The two-year contract marks a code-switch for the 11-cap Australian international, adding to the challenges faced by RA in the aftermath of a disappointing World Cup campaign.

RA Chief Executive Phil Waugh conveyed the organization’s disappointment in a statement, acknowledging Nawaqanitawase’s strong contributions over the past 12 months. Despite the setback, Waugh emphasized that the depth of talent in the outside backs position provides confidence in the team’s future prospects.

“Mark has been a strong player over the last 12 months. 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,” stated Waugh.

While Nawaqanitawase’s move to rugby league is set for 2025, RA indicated that his interim appearances for the Wallabies are unlikely, signaling a closing chapter for the winger in the immediate future. The organization expressed gratitude for Nawaqanitawase’s contributions in his 11 Test appearances, representing both the Waratahs and the Australia Sevens team at the Commonwealth Games.

Despite the disappointment, a silver lining emerges with the prospect of Nawaqanitawase making a return to rugby union ahead of the 2027 World Cup in Australia. However, this code-switch rules him out of contention for the 2025 clash against the British and Irish Lions.

The winger’s move follows a period of negotiations between RA and the Roosters, marked by tensions over previous player transitions. The Roosters expressed discontent when Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii shifted to rugby union, a move orchestrated by the ousted RA chairman Hamish McLennan. Additionally, RA’s attempt to sign Roosters back-rower Angus Crichton faced complications and ultimately fell through amid frustrations with the negotiating tactics.

As Rugby Australia navigates the challenges of player transitions and rebuilding after the World Cup, the departure of Nawaqanitawase underscores the dynamic landscape and competition for talent between rugby codes in Australia.