Wallabies star granted early release to join the Roosters – but don’t expect to see him in the NRL anytime soon
- Mark Nawaqanitawase gets early release from rugby contract
- Will join the Roosters after playing Rugby Sevens at the Paris Olympics
- Will try to take his time and learn the basics of competing in the NSW Cup
The Roosters have confirmed that rugby player Mark Nawaqanitawase has terminated his contract and will be eligible to join the Tricolours once his Rugby Sevens commitments at the Paris Olympics end.
Nawaqanitawase, 23, signed a two-year deal in December last year to join the Roosters in 2025. After missing out on the Wallabies squad for Tests this month, there has been pressure to fast-track the process so he can spend some time in rugby league this season.
That ambition was confirmed on Tuesday when the club announced he has taken the final spot in their top 30 selection. Roosters fans should not expect him to be rushed to the NRL this season, however.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson stressed his star player will need plenty of time to get used to the new football code, with Nawaqanitawase likely to play in this year’s NSW Cup.
He reiterated that in a statement, saying the former Wallaby Flyer would spend a lot of time learning the ropes of what it takes to make it in rugby league.
The Roosters have some incredibly talented players who he can learn quickly with Joseph Manu and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii heading the opposite way to rugby union next year.
“Mark will take the final spot in our 2024 squad but our focus is not so much on rushing his transition to the NRL as on making his transition to rugby league as quick as possible,” Robinson said.
‘We are very pleased to have Mark with us once his commitments in Paris are over.
The Roosters have confirmed that Mark Nawaqanitawase has been released from his contract and will join the Tricolours once his Rugby Sevens commitments at the Paris Olympics end.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson said the high-profile convert needs to prove himself in the NSW Cup
‘We look forward to officially welcoming Mark to the Roosters next month and wish him the very best of luck in his duties as representative at the Olympic Games.
‘Good luck!’
Nawaqanitawase made his Test debut in November 2022 against Italy, where he lost 28-27.
Two weeks later he scored two tries against Wales, leading the Wallabies to a 39-34 victory.
His Wallaby colleague Carter Gordon has also moved to the NRL, signing a two-year contract with the Gold Coast Titans, which commences in 2025.