LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Sydney Roosters winger Mark Nawaqanitawase has reportedly informed the club of his decision to leave at the end of the 2026 NRL season.
The RLPA's Rookie of the Year and 2025 Ken Irvine Medallist has had an impressive debut season in rugby league, but the excitement of participating in the home Rugby World Cup in 2027 has proven irresistible for the young athlete.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Nawaqanitawase, who has delivered numerous highlight-reel performances during his inaugural NRL season, has confirmed to the club that he will not renew his contract.
He has the opportunity to join Kevin Walters' Kangaroos squad for the Ashes tour, and there is a possibility he might return to the NRL following the World Cup.
Rugby Australia has been keen to lure him back to rugby union for the World Cup, particularly after missing out on several other NRL players they had targeted.
They successfully signed Joseph Suaalii for both the British and Irish Lions tour this year as well as for the World Cup, but their other pursuits have not been fruitful.
It is believed that Nawaqanitawase aims to secure an overseas contract while seeking a Wallabies jersey for the upcoming World Cup.