Nawaqanitawase Signs Off in Style with Grand Final Double

Mark Nawaqanitawase has capped off his rugby league career in spectacular fashion, scoring two tries to help the Sydney Roosters defeat the Newcastle Knights in the National Rugby League Premiership Grand Final.

The dual-code international crossed once in each half as the Roosters ended Newcastle’s fairytale title run in front of a crowd of 80,814 at Stadium Australia.

Nawaqanitawase joined the Roosters in 2024 after spending four seasons in rugby union with the New South Wales Waratahs. The move proved to be a successful one, with the Fijian-born flyer playing a key role in helping the club secure the premiership in what appears to be his final game in rugby league.

With his two-year contract with the Roosters now complete, Nawaqanitawase is expected to return to rugby union and could feature for the Wallabies at next year’s Rugby World Cup.

Roosters coach Trent Robinson, the club’s longest-serving head coach, praised Nawaqanitawase’s contribution to the side, highlighting the impact he made on and off the field during his time at the club.

Speaking after the victory, Nawaqanitawase said wearing the famous Roosters jersey and representing everything the club stands for was something he would always be proud of.

The grand final triumph provides the perfect ending to his rugby league chapter, with the 26-year-old departing the game as a premiership winner after producing one of his finest performances on the biggest stage.