NAWAQANITAWASE SIGNS TWO-YEAR ROOSTERS EXTENSION BEFORE 2026 RUGBY UNION DEPARTURE
Rising NRL superstar Mark Nawaqanitawase has announced he will remain with the Sydney Roosters until the end of the 2026 season – signing a two-year contract extension – before departing to return to rugby union with ambitions of representing the Wallabies at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The 23-year-old, who informed the club of his long-term decision in September 2025, revealed he will join an overseas rugby union side after his Roosters tenure, taking advantage of recent rule changes that permit overseas-based players to pull on the green and gold. The news comes on the back of a breakout 2025 campaign that saw him crowned RLPA Players’ Rookie of the Year, lead the NRL in tries (24 from 25 games), score a viral “Try of the Year,” and set a Roosters record with seven doubles in a season – including a memorable four-try haul against the Melbourne Storm that cemented his status as the club’s top try scorer.
While his eyes are fixed on the 2027 World Cup, Nawaqanitawase outlined five key reasons for committing to two more years in Bondi rather than leaving immediately:
1. Honour existing club commitment – He wanted to see out his current deal’s spirit and repay the Roosters for giving him his NRL chance after transitioning from rugby union.
2. Chase premiership glory – With the Roosters in title contention, he is determined to help deliver a premiership before his departure.
3. Develop as a complete player – He believes another two seasons in the NRL’s physical environment will sharpen his skills for international rugby union.
4. Thank Roosters fans – After their overwhelming support during his breakout year, he wants to give them more memorable moments in the red, white and blue.
5. Stability for family – His family is settled in Sydney, and a two-year extension allows them to avoid immediate upheaval before his overseas move.
“The Roosters have made me the player I am today,” Nawaqanitawase said. “While my heart is set on the Wallabies and 2027, I couldn’t walk away now – I owe it to this club, my teammates and the fans to give everything for two more seasons and leave on a high.”
Roosters chairman Nick Politis welcomed the extension, describing Nawaqanitawase as “a once-in-a-generation talent who will continue to make our club proud.
