mens
japan-rugby-league-one
Dual code superstar Mark Nawaqanitawase returns to rugby union with a point to prove himself ahead of the men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia after an outstanding stint with NRL powerhouse Sydney Roosters.
Nawaqanitawase made 11 appearances for the Wallabies and went to the Paris Olympics with Australia Men’s side of the week, before the official switch of codes and the debut of the Tricolors on September 6, 2024.
Success seemed to follow the former Wallabies flyer in rugby league, both at the club ground and with the representative teams. Nawaqanitawase finished the 2025 NRL campaign as top goalscorer and earned a place in the NRL Dally M Team of the Year.
Nawaqanitawase helped Australia to three-nil England late last year won the State of Origin series with NSW Wales The Blues, and starred the Roosters who won the NRL Grand Final earlier this month.
Japan Saitama Rugby League One power Panasonic Wild Knights announced on February 9 that Nawaqanitawase had signed a contract. The 26-year-old is firmly focused on that competition, amid speculation about his allegiance to Test.
“I’ve had a short time in the union, and I still feel like I have a lot more to give, a lot more to prove,” Nawaqanitawase said further The good, the bad and the rugby.
“Next year is the Rugby World Cup, I’m moving to Japan, which is a great thing. I also like experiences so that’s another big reason, so I’ll be back because I also want to travel.
“There’s a whole bunch of things I feel I still have time to do. Mainly, like I said, I still have a lot to prove.”
Nawaqanitawase made his first appearance for the Wallabies in November 2022 and quickly became a key figure in the side. Test debutant ‘Marky Mark’ kicked two second-half tries in a stunning comeback to beat Wales 39-34 in Cardiff.
Eddie Jones took over as Wallabies head coach ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, where Nawaqanitawase went on to score two tries in four matches. But the code-hooper hasn’t played for the Wallabies since, moving to sevens and league.
“Playing for the Wallabies was a huge honour. I grew up watching them and then it was amazing how I was able to do it,” Nawaqanitawase said.
“Obviously it didn’t go so well in some of the things we did, but I’ll never regret or dislike that part of my journey. I loved every moment of it.
“I met some great people. I played obviously with the boys I grew up playing with here and there, so I had a lot of fun.”
