Mark Nawaqanitawase set to leave Roosters for rugby return

[Horry]

Mark Nawaqanitawase has informed the Sydney Roosters of his intention to leave the club at the end of 2026 and return to rugby union in time for a home World Cup.

The NRL’s leading try scorer has been mulling over his future over the past couple of months and has indicated to the Roosters powerbrokers that he will finish up at the club after next season.

Nawaqanitawase is expected to snub Australia’s Super Rugby franchises in favour of playing rugby union overseas.

A change in Rugby Australia’s rules will allow him to still represent the Wallabies in the 2027 World Cup despite playing abroad after the code rolled back from the Giteau rule.

Nawaqanitawase has been a revelation since joining the Roosters at the end of last season following the conclusion of his commitments with the Australian rugby sevens team at the Paris Olympics.

He is set to earn a spot on the Australian Kangaroos 22-man touring squad to England for this year’s Ashes Series in the United Kingdom.

He will be fighting against the likes of Zac Lomax and Xavier Coates for a wing spot for the first Test at Wembley on October 25.

Nawaqanitawase has loved his time at the Roosters but informed the club it is his dream to play for the Wallabies at a World Cup.

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/mar...23-p5mxce.html

[TumutChook]

Just seen that reported. Why are we the only team that seems to lose all these players so easily. Manu,RTS,Aussie Joe etc.

[Steakface]

Shame, but not surprising either. He has always been open about wanting to play in the Rugby World Cup.

Let's hope he can build up a real love of the club, and with any luck we can welcome him back in 2028 to replace Teddy in the no.1

[Steakface]

Just seen that reported. Why are we the only team that seems to lose all these players so easily. Manu,RTS,Aussie Joe etc.

The reason why, is because we've got better talent scouts & are a better run club than most.

All three of those guys debuted in 1st grade with us.

We're lucky to have had a great lot of talent come through.

[GC6]

Hugggge loss for not only Roosters but Rubly league as a whole.
I have seen a few comments on pages laughing at Roosters that we have lost him but these people need to realise this is a big loss to Rugby league.
He is a marketing goldmine and at the top of all the highlight reels.

[mightyrooster]

Terrible, terrible news.

[Vasco]

I can see either he or Suaalii returning at some point.

[rented tracksuit]

Fmd

[mightyrooster]

Guess we’re going to get linked to Ponga again now.

[Waylander]

Very disappointed, but not surprised. I’ve loved watching him this season, it’s been a real highlight of our season.

I wonder if they will now leave him out of the Kangaroos squad given he has committed his immediate future to Rugby.

[bondi.boy]

Just seen that reported. Why are we the only team that seems to lose all these players so easily. Manu,RTS,Aussie Joe etc.

Simple solution...STOP signing rugby union players.

This is strike 2.

Strike 1 was wasting 2 years teaching Suaalii to play NRL.

We must now develop or buy a replacement winger for the start of 2027 season.
If that means Marky has to play some NSW Cup in 2026 then so be it.

We need a winger who can tackle as well as score tries.

[BTRD]

I can see either he or Suaalii returning at some point.

I hope they both come back.

But when you are ' freaks ' - in a good way - very hard to say NO to the johnny cash. Can't blame them.

[BTRD]

Will Angus be next ??

[Bates]

Welcome Turbo

[Batemans Bay Rooster]

Simple solution...STOP signing rugby union players.

This is strike 2.

Strike 1 was wasting 2 years teaching Suaalii to play NRL.

We must now develop or buy a replacement winger for the start of 2027 season.
If that means Marky has to play some NSW Cup in 2026 then so be it.

We need a winger who can tackle as well as score tries.

What on earth is wrong with you?