‘That boundary’s moved’: How dual-code star’s next move could impact World Cup bid

5 hours ago 3

Incoming Wallabies coach Les Kiss insists Mark Nawaqanitawase’s prospects of featuring in the 2027 Rugby World Cup will not hinge on where he signs upon his comeback to the 15-man code.

The 11-Test winger will become the 49th Australian to represent their country in both rugby union and rugby league when he makes his Kangaroos debut in the first Ashes clash in England.

Nawaqanitawase finished as the NRL’s leading try-scorer in his maiden campaign with the Sydney Roosters – crossing 25 times in 24 appearances – but will return to union at the end of his 2026 contract in the hopes of featuring in the home World Cup.

Mark Nawaqanitawase will leave the NRL for a rugby return for the 2027 season.

Kiss, currently in charge of the Queensland Reds before taking the Wallabies’ reins from Joe Schmidt mid-next year, did not rule out his Super Rugby Pacific club making a play for the 25-year-old, although some reports have suggested he would take his talents overseas.

“I think there’s a little bit of water to go under the bridge before we get to those discussions. But one thing’s certain, he’s earned his way to that Kangaroo jersey,” Kiss said, who also lined up on the Kangaroos wing during a 100-game rugby league career for the North Sydney Bears.

“We know he loves the game of rugby, so all options are open there.”

The entire Wallabies’ Spring Tour squad play for Australian clubs, while of the 36-man unit for this year’s British and Irish Lions tour, only Will Skelton and James O’Connor played overseas. Len Ikitau (Exeter Chiefs) and Langi Gleeson (Montpellier) and Taniela Tupou (Racing 92) have since moved offshore.

However, speaking ahead of the Reds clash with the Japanese Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights at Ballymore on Saturday, Kiss stressed wherever Nawaqanitawase opted to launch his World Cup bid, it would have no bearing on his selection chances.

Nor, he said, would his ascent back to the gold jumper be a fait accompli.

“I think that boundary’s moved a little bit,” Kiss said, when asked if Nawaqanitawase’s prospects would improve be playing on Australian shores.

“It took him time to get the skill set going in rugby league, but I have no doubt he’ll come back and add something for sure. Every year, every player grows a bit, and the wisdom he’ll get from what he has learnt from the rugby league game will be fantastic.

“We’ve got wingers currently in the Wallaby set-up and the Super Rugby teams, but he brings that sense of instructiveness into the game – he’s not afraid to roam around the park and make moments his own and create opportunities for people.

“It’s not that different to what we’ve got at the moment with Lipo [Filipo Daugunu] and Max Jorgensen and those boys doing similar. He’s going to have to earn his way.”

However, former Wallabies coach Robbie Deans – now the director of rugby at Wild Knights, which includes 59-Test flyer Marika Koroibete – hinted players highlighted closer to home may come into stronger consideration.

“There’s now a queue there, there are lots of good wingers in Australia. How Les handles those decisions will be interesting,” Deans said, who took Australia to third place in the 2011 World Cup.

“It’s getting harder, and that’s what you want – you want blokes to want to be nearby so they’re being seen because unless you’ve got a point of difference, if you’re somewhere else, it’s very hard.

“He [Nawaqanitawase] has obviously enjoyed the experience he’s had and what he’s about to have will be good for him as an individual. He’ll bring that back with him, and he’s already performed well at an international level, so that’s great for rugby.

“But for me, more importantly, it’s the messaging. Both he and Joseph [Suaalii], the way they talk about rugby’s point of difference I think is a very important message – you want to see the world and play in a game that’s the ultimate team game.

“That’s a great message for the next generation.”

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