No More ‘Mark Doing Freaky Things’ as Nawaqanitawase’s NRL Farewell Looms

By the Editorial Team · Friday, September 18, 2026

Mark Nawaqanitawase will leave the Sydney Roosters and the NRL at 26 to join Japan’s Saitama Wild Knights in rugby union after the current season. His move, backed by a lucrative two-year deal, positions him for preparation ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup while likely sidelining him from Australia’s upcoming international matches this year.

Mark Nawaqanitawase, a standout figure in rugby league, is set to leave the National Rugby League (NRL) at just 26 years old to resume his rugby union career in Japan. Currently a winger for the Sydney Roosters, Nawaqanitawase will join the Saitama Wild Knights of Japan’s League One following the conclusion of the Roosters' season.

Nawaqanitawase’s decision comes after an impressive cross-code journey that has seen him achieve significant success in both rugby codes. He last represented the Wallabies in October 2023 during the Rugby World Cup and later played a key role in Australia’s men’s rugby sevens team, helping the side secure its best-ever Olympic finish in Paris, where they finished fourth. Just weeks after the Olympics, he scored on his NRL debut with the Roosters.

Since his transition to rugby league, Nawaqanitawase has been widely praised for his remarkable performances. Last year, he topped the NRL try-scoring charts and earned selection for the Australian Kangaroos despite publicly announcing his intention to leave the code within 12 months. This year, he contributed to New South Wales' victory in the State of Origin series, scoring two tries on his debut at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

During the current season, Nawaqanitawase has scored 16 tries in 20 games for the Roosters, slightly less prolific than the previous year but demonstrating growth in other areas. His average run metres per game have increased from 138 to 168, and he has developed into a more robust defender meeting the physical demands of the NRL’s modern game.

Roosters captain James Tedesco praised Nawaqanitawase’s competitive spirit and character, describing him as a player who thrives on contest while remaining humble off the field. Tedesco highlighted the winger’s knack for producing spectacular plays that energize the team, recalling memorable moments such as a thrilling duel against Sharks winger Ronaldo Mulitalo.

The Saitama Wild Knights are reportedly offering Nawaqanitawase a two-year contract reportedly worth over AUD 1 million per season. His move aligns with preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. While discussions between Nawaqanitawase and Rugby Australia about a potential return to international rugby continue, it appears he will focus on settling into his new club ahead of the Japanese season starting in December. This likely rules him out of the Wallabies’ remaining seven tests this year.

Berrick Barnes, a former Wallaby and current Saitama backs coach, noted that while it may take three to six months for Nawaqanitawase to fully readjust to rugby union, his prior experience will ease the transition compared to league players without a union background. Barnes cited the need for Nawaqanitawase to reacquire certain game skills, including kicking and positional awareness, as part of this adaptation.

Nawaqanitawase’s imminent departure marks the end of an era at the Roosters and in the NRL. His unique career path and dynamic play have left a lasting impact on both codes, and his next chapter in Japan will be closely watched by fans and rugby officials alike.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.