‘Lot more to prove’: Mark Nawaqanitawase opens up on rugby union return

Dual-code superstar Mark Nawaqanitawase is returning to rugby union with a point to prove ahead of Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia, following a remarkable stint with NRL powerhouse the Sydney Roosters.

Nawaqanitawase made 11 appearances for the Wallabies and went to the Paris Olympics with the Australia Men’s Sevens side, before officially switching codes and debuting for the Tricolours on September 6, 2024.

Success seemed to follow the former Wallabies flyer in rugby league, both at club land and with representative teams. Nawaqanitawase finished the 2025 NRL campaign as the top try-scorer and earned a spot in the NRL Dally M Team of the Year.

Nawaqanitawase helped Australia secure a three-nil series sweep of England late last year, won a State of Origin series with the NSW Wales Blues, and starred as the Roosters won the NRL Grand Final earlier this month.

Japan Rugby League One powerhouse the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights announced on February 9 that Nawaqanitawase had signed on. The 26-year-old is firmly focused on that competition, amid speculation about his Test allegiance.

“I’ve had a short time in union, that I still feel like I have a lot more to give, a lot more to prove,” Nawaqanitawase said on The Good, The Bad & The Rugby.

“There’s a Rugby World Cup next year, I’m moving to Japan which is a cool thing. I also love experiences so that’s another big reason, that’s why I’m going to come back because I want to travel as well.

“There’s a whole bunch of things that I feel like I’ve still got time to do. The main one, like I said, I’ve still got a lot to prove.”

Nawaqanitawase first played for the Wallabies in November 2022, and quickly became a key figure within that side. As a Test rookie, ‘Marky Mark’ crossed for two second-half tries in a stunning comeback to beat Wales 39-34 in Cardiff.

Eddie Jones took as Wallabies head coach ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, where Nawaqanitawase continued touched down for two tries in four matches. But the code-hooper hasn’t played for the Wallabies since, having switched to sevens and league.

“Playing for the Wallabies was a massive honour. I grew up watching them and then to be able to do it, it was amazing,” Nawaqanitawase said.

“Obviously it didn’t go quite well in some of the things we did but I’ll never have a regret or not like that part of my journey. I loved every moment of it.

“There’s some great people that I met. Played with obviously boys that I’d grown up playing with here and there as well so I had a great time doing it.”