Get ready for a major shake-up in the rugby world! A former Wallabies star is ditching the NRL to chase a dream that could redefine his career. But here's where it gets controversial: is this a bold move or a risky gamble? Let’s dive in.
According to recent reports from Australian media, Mark Nawaqanitawase, the lightning-fast ex-Wallabies player, is set to leave rugby league behind and return to rugby union. His goal? To be part of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, which will be hosted on home soil in Australia. At just 25 years old, Nawaqanitawase has been nothing short of sensational since joining the Sydney Roosters in the NRL. He made a try-scoring debut in the 13-a-side code just over a year ago, proving he’s a force to be reckoned with.
However, the Sydney Morning Herald reveals that Nawaqanitawase has informed the Roosters he’ll be leaving at the end of the 2026 season. Why? Because he’s got his eyes on the prize: representing the Wallabies in the 2027 World Cup. To make this happen, he’s turned down a contract extension with the Roosters. And this is the part most people miss: instead of joining an Australian Super Rugby franchise, he’s reportedly heading overseas to play for a rugby union club once his current contract expires.
Here’s where it gets even more intriguing. Thanks to a recent change in Rugby Australia’s rules—specifically the scrapping of the Giteau Law—Nawaqanitawase can still represent Australia in the World Cup even while playing abroad. The Giteau Law previously allowed overseas-based players to join the Wallabies, but only if they met strict criteria, like a minimum number of Test caps and Super Rugby experience. Now, the door is wide open for players like him.
Nawaqanitawase’s stats speak for themselves: he finished the 2025 NRL season as the league’s leading try-scorer, with 24 tries in just 23 games. Despite his impending departure from rugby league, he might still make his international debut for Australia’s Kangaroos in the upcoming Ashes Test series against England. Peter V’landys, Chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission, is all for it. ‘He’s an excitement machine,’ V’landys told AAP. ‘He’d add thousands of fans to the Wembley game against England.’
But here’s the dilemma: Nawaqanitawase admits it’s a tough decision. ‘It’s a home World Cup, so it can’t not be a lure,’ he said. ‘I love this club so much, and I’ve loved my time here. It’s going to be a hard choice.’ With 11 Test appearances for the Wallabies in 2022 and 2023, plus representing Australia in rugby sevens at the 2024 Paris Olympics, he’s no stranger to the big stage.
Is Nawaqanitawase making the right move? Some might argue that staying in the NRL could solidify his legacy, while others believe chasing a World Cup dream is worth the risk. What do you think? Is this a masterstroke or a potential misstep? Let’s spark the debate in the comments below!
