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Nawaqanitawase: NRL return 'definitely on the cards'
Ian Chadband, AAP •  October 27th, 2025 7:52 am
Mark Nawaqanitawase | Photo: AAP
Mark Nawaqanitawase has revealed how he's set to be a double-agent for the rest of his brilliant code-hopping rugby career.
After his superb Kangaroos debut in the 26-6 win over England, the Roosters flyer had great news for fearful NRL fans, suggesting he won't be lost to rugby league for ever after returning to union to pursue his Wallabies' World Cup dream.
Asked after the win at Wembley about whether he'd ever return to league at some point after the home Rugby World Cup at the end of 2027, the NRL's leading try scorer this season said: "It's so far away, I don't know - but it could be on the cards ... it's definitely on the cards."
Was that because he'd loved his spectacular NRL year bow so much, after his 24 tries in 23 games this term?
"A hundred per cent," Nawaqanitawase responded. "Especially at the Roosters where I am, it's been amazing. So it's definitely on the cards."
Pressed further about his long-term plans, the laid-back 25-year-old joshed with reporters, smiling: "It's a long way, away - so just relax."
Yet what was made crystal clear once again with his striking international bow is that whatever world of rugby he inhabits -- be it league, union or even Olympic sevens -- he's going to grace it with a rare talent.
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For while Reece Walsh grabbed the headlines with his two-try man-of-the-match performance, Nawaqanitawase, who put the Brisbane man away for the first Ashes score in 22 years, was every bit as effective.
Nawaqanitawase made more ground than anyone - his 215m even eclipsing Walsh's 196 - and led the stats with seven tackle busts, three linebreaks and three offloads.
The whole experience of becoming a dual-code international, watched by his family at England's national stadium, left him shaking his head in almost disbelief at what he's achieved over 12 heady months.
"It's a pinch yourself moment, I still can't believe it's gone so quick. I'm just lucky to be here, got to enjoy it," Nawaqanitawase beamed.
"To be in an Australian jersey again so quickly - it was very special, seeing my family up there in the stands, pretty cool.
"But it's gone so fast; I'm living the dream, mate, and I'm just trying to enjoy every moment.
"The atmosphere was amazing, something you want to be a part of. We had, what, 60,000 out there tonight, and it felt like 120,000.
"I was blowing out there a bit, but it was a great match to be a part of. Very similar to the Olympics and other big games I've played in, the quality of players I'm surrounded by is very special."
There's not many players in either code as special as "Marky Mark", who at Wembley simply added to his 2025 highlights reel that featured him scoring the NRL's try of the year, perhaps the decade, with his Hogwarts chip-and-chase masterpiece along the touchline against the Bulldogs in May.
Roosters fans will be treated to this sort of brilliance for another season before Nawaqanitawase, who's confirmed he'll leave after their 2026 campaign, starts his next union adventure, with incoming Wallabies coach Les Kiss saying he'll have to earn his spot back in the side.
That looks a given, but for the moment, Nawaqanitawase is just enjoying rocking rugby league.
On Friday, he reckoned it was "pretty special" to meet the Kangaroos' newest fan Jon Bon Jovi at Wembley, leaving him to muse with a grin: "He should stick on some boots and play with us!"
