Nawaqanitawase reveals the two things that convinced him to return to rugby

NRL convert Mark Nawaqanitawase has admitted he misses the freedom to explore – both on and off the field – that rugby provides.

The NRL’s leading try-scorer this week informed the Roosters he intends to leave at the end of his contract in 2026 to return to the 15-man code in time to challenge for a spot in the Wallabies squad for the 2027 World Cup on home soil.

But he has also confessed to missing both the more expansive role of the winger in rugby and the opportunities to travel the world the game affords.

“I love the game of union,” Nawaqanitawase told ABC Pacific. “There are a lot of things that I miss. I guess the freedom. If you come to league, I guess you’re kind of stuck to one side, it’s very structured. So in that sense, I miss that part where I could roam and get up to doing different things on any side.”

Nawaqanitawase, who has been tipped to earn selection in the Kangaroos side for the end-of-season Ashes tour to England, has already attracted interest from rugby clubs in France and Japan. He is eligible to represent Italy, Fiji and the Wallabies at the Rugby World Cup.

“The cool thing about union is you can travel the world,” Nawaqanitawase said. “Travelling the world and just meeting different cultures and different people … is an experience I wish all people could experience.”

Australia’s Mark Nawaqanitawase playing in the World Cup in France in 2023 against GeorgiaCredit: AP

Nawaqanitawase’s enjoyment of the experiences rugby unlocked for him echoed sentiments expressed by former Rooster Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, who recently admitted becoming a Wallaby had cured his wanderlust.

“As a kid, you dream about these days, and I’ve honestly just loved my whole experience with rugby, playing in South Africa for the first time, then Twickenham and then against the Lions and then playing against Argentina,” Suaalii said after beating Argentina in Townsville.

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“There are special moments in your life that you look back one day and can be like, ‘It’s pretty cool that I’ve been a part of the group that’s done this’.”

Despite the Wallabies’ failure to make the quarter-finals of the last World Cup in France, Nawaqanitawase was one of the squad’s standout performers and described playing for his country as “a dream come true.”

“Honestly, one of the best moments in my life was playing for the Wallabies, I’m still lost for words about it because it’s pretty special,” Nawaqanitawase said.

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