It was not just the 80,000 spectators crammed inside Sydney’s Olympic stadium, nor the millions of TV viewers in Australia, who were left in awe of Mark Nawaqanitawase’s performance in the NRL grand final.
Last night, across the Tasman in New Zealand, the Wallabies eagerly watched on as Nawaqanitawase added to his highlight reel by scoring two tries in the Sydney Roosters’ nail-biting 19-18 victory over Newcastle.
The fact that some of the Wallabies were Nawaqanitawase’s ex-teammates helped explain the interest.
But knowing the dual international is switching codes once again, in time for next year’s Rugby World Cup, also had Wallabies players licking their lips in anticipation.
“He’ll be massive. He’s just been a freak,” Wallabies prop Allan Alaalatoa told reporters in Auckland today.
“What he’s done in the last two years in league is probably unheard of.
“He’s gone over there in the space of two years and pretty much done everything, and now he’s coming back.”
Following the Wallabies’ disastrous Rugby World Cup campaign three years ago, Nawaqanitawase announced he would move to the NRL ahead of the 2025 season.
He was given clearance to join the Roosters earlier than scheduled, and made his NRL debut in the final round of the 2024 premiership.
Mark Nawaqanitawase (left) scored twice for the Roosters in the NRL grand final.
To suggest Nawaqanitawase made an impact in rugby league is an understatement.
He took the NRL by storm in his first full season, which was capped off when he debuted for Australia in last year’s Ashes series in England.
Nawaqanitawase was selected in NSW’s successful State of Origin squad this year and played a crucial role in helping the Roosters capture their first NRL premiership since 2019.
His athleticism and aerial skills on the wing contributed to an astonishing strike rate of 47 tries in as many NRL matches.
Nawaqanitawase has hit the pause button on his NRL career for now, having signed with Japanese rugby club Saitama Wild Knights on a two-year deal.
He will be available for Wallabies selection, although the 26-year-old is unlikely to feature in November’s Nations Championship Tests against England, Scotland and Wales.
After impressing for the Wallabies in 11 Test appearances between 2022-23, he is expected to make a smooth transition once he returns to rugby.
Having him play alongside the likes of Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Max Jorgensen in a Wallabies’ backline is a tantalising prospect; however, coach Les Kiss says there are “no promises and no guarantees”.
Mark Nawaqanitawase played 11 Tests for the Wallabies before switching codes in 2024. (Getty Images: Aurelien Meunier)
Kiss is justified in declaring Nawaqanitawase will not walk straight back into the Wallabies squad.
But his presence will create competitive pressure among candidates for the Wallabies’ wing spots ahead of the Rugby World Cup, which Australia is hosting.
“He’ll just naturally start demanding more from other people because of the type of competition that is in the squad,” said Alaalatoa, as the Wallabies prepare for Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup Test at Eden Park.
“I think that only adds health to the group, and it brings the best out of people in his position because of the type of player that he is and what he’s shown on some of the biggest stages in Australia.
“I think that is the type of value he’ll add to our group.”
Nawaqanitawase is set to debut for Saitama Wild Knights in the Japan Rugby League One competition in December.
Not surprisingly, his immediate focus is helping the Roosters celebrate the club’s NRL and NRLW premiership victories.
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