Wallabies ‘desperate’ to tempt cross-code star back to rugby union ahead of 2027 World Cup
Former Wallabies star Mark Nawaqanitawase in action during the 2023 Test season
Respected Australian rugby league journalist Buzz Rothfield claims Rugby Australia are ‘desperate’ to bring former Wallaby Mark Nawaqanitawase back to rugby union ahead of the 2027 World Cup, following a bright start to life in the 13-man code.
The outside back, who also represented the Australian Sevens team during the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, has become a mainstay in the Sydney Roosters side this campaign with an astonishing record of 13 tries in as many games.
He has also usurped England international Dom Young, who has since made the move to Newcastle Knights.
‘They’re desperate to get him back for the World Cup’
The 24-year-old is off-contract at the end of the 2026 NRL season, meaning he is free to negotiate with other teams ahead of the 2027 season come November.
His form has seen him attract plenty of admirers across both rugby codes, particularly following a spectacular score against the Canterbury Bulldogs, but it seems the 15-man game are eyeing up a potential move to bring him back to the Green and Gold.
MARK NAWAQANITAWASE IS OUT OF THIS WORLD! 🤯 #NRLBulldogsRoosters pic.twitter.com/5J3RZQ98bK
— NRL (@NRL) May 16, 2025
“It’s hard to think he hasn’t even had a year’s experience in the NRL,” said Rothfield. “He is off contract at the end of next year, so come November, he’s free to talk to rival clubs.
“I’ve spoken to his manager, I’ve spoken to Nick Politis. The Roosters want to sit down and have talks with him, but he and his agent have said let’s just let the season play out and don’t want to do any negotiations right now.
He added: “What I’m hearing from very, very good sources in Australian rugby is that they’re desperate to get him back for the World Cup in 2027.
“The last thing the Roosters need is another Joseph Suaalii situation.”
This also comes amid reports Rugby Australia are interested in a move for Penrith Panthers, New South Wales Blues and Kangaroos star Nathan Cleary ahead of the upcoming World Cup, which will take place in Australia. It also comes just one year after Nawaqanitawase left union to join the Roosters, with current Wallaby Joseph Suaalii and Racing 92-bound Joey Manu heading the other way.
During his first stint in the 15-man, Nawaqanitawase won 11 Test caps for the Wallabies alongside 58 appearances for the Waratahs in Super Rugby.