NRL lands HUGE blow on Rugby Australia as Sydney Roosters sign Wallabies superstar amid intense code war

The Roosters are expected to deliver a huge blow to Rugby Australia, with Wallabies winger Mark Nawaqanitawase set to join the NRL club on a two-year deal.

Still reeling from RA's lucrative pursuit of full-back Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, the Tricolors have exacted revenge on the rival code by securing the 23-year-old's services from 2025.

According to News CorpNawaqanitawase has signed until the end of 2026, allowing him to return to the union for the 2027 World Cup, which will be hosted in Australia.

It marks yet another blow for Rugby Australia after a terrible year that saw the Wallabies crash out of the 2023 World Cup during the pool stages before Eddie Jones left his home country.

Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan, who oversaw the disastrous year, has since been given the boot, while the organization was forced to take out an $80 million loan after a private equity deal fell through.

Mark Nawaqanitawase set to sign for Sydney Roosers in major blow for Wallabies

Suaalii and Nawaqanitase are expected to cross codes at the same time, in what is essentially seen as a direct exchange. The Wallabies will accelerate Suaalii's development by taking him on the 2024 end-of-year tour, and he will likely fill the position vacated by Nawaqanitawase.

The Roosters' jump comes after the NRL gave the green light to a salary cap for clubs looking for the best rugby players, although the move has been divisive for some in the sport.

Parramatta chief executive Mark O'Neill believes such a move will thwart the 'threat' of more attacks on NRL talent.

'We have an attractive game. It is worth investigating to ensure our game remains as strong as possible,” O'Neill said.

'I think it is definitely a threat and we have to take that into account. There is a threat level that comes with that, the threat level may be low right now with Suaalii gone and no one seems to be following, but that will change from time to time and the threat will increase.

“I support any innovative ways and ideas that improve this scenario for NRL clubs.”

The ARL committee is expected to discuss possible options for exemptions at this month's meeting, with Rugby Australia bosses admitting a horror World Cup has left them vulnerable.

The NRL has hit back after Roosters star Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii joined the Wallabies

Alongside Nawaqanitawase, NSW Waratahs teenager Max Jorgensen has long been a target for the NRL.

“We want the best athletes to play our game, whether it's the men's or women's competition,” Andrew Abdo said.

'Growth is on our agenda, so whilst our primary focus is on developing rugby league talent through our own avenues, we are also open to attracting and, potentially in some cases, returning to the competition from other codes.

'Could a salary cap possibly be used? Yes.

“That is an absolute possibility that the committee will consider, and will consider in due course.”