Mark Nawaqanitawase denies he is turning his back on rugby by signing a two-year deal with the Roosters and has left the door open for a Wallabies return before the 2027 World Cup.
The 23-year-old winger has spoken publicly for the first time since the Roosters deal was announced this week, revealing in a Sydney Morning Herald interview that he feels indebted to rugby and his decision has nothing to do with the supposed code war between the two sides of the rugby divide.
“I’m not doing this code change in any way to have a crack at rugby,” he told the SMH.
“I love the sport and it’s got me to this position in life. To see some of the stuff that is being said is actually quite laughable.
“I’m not some part of a code war, I’m just doing what is right for me right now, and the opportunity at this young age to play for a club like the Roosters is something that I could not knock back.”
Semi Radradra with Mark Nawaqanitawase after exchanging their shirts after the Rugby World Cup France match between Australia and Fiji. (Photo by Pauline Ballet – World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)
Nawaqanitawase said the influence of Roosters coach Trent Robinson and chairman Nick Politis in the negotiation process gave him peace of mind that he was joining a professional club that would make him better on and off the field.
Whether he returns to rugby before Australia hosts the next World Cup depends on several factors.
He has another year left in the rugby ranks before switching to the NRL and he said he would cross the bridge of his next contract after the Roosters when he comes to it.
“That’s just going to depend on how things go over the next couple of years and if I fall in love with the game like I expect to do,” he said.
“I’d be silly not to look at things in 2027 when it comes to rugby, but right now that is a long way down the track and a lot can happen in that time.
“Of course, I wouldn’t rule anything out but, to be honest, the opportunity I’ve got right now is one that not many people my age could hope to get.”
Rugby Australia boss Phil Waugh says the door “absolutely” remains open for Nawaqanitawase to continue wearing the gold jumper in 2024 despite the dynamic winger confirming his defection to the NRL.
Nawaqanitawase, who has won 11 caps for Australia since making his international rugby debut on last year’s spring tour of Europe,
The code switch will prevent Nawaqanitawase from facing the British and Irish Lions in 2025. With veteran Tongan star Daniel Tupou nearing the back end of his glittering career, Nawaqanitawase’s path to a starting berth at the Roosters is likely to be clearer when he and Joseph Suaalii trade places in 2025.
Trent Robinson. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)
Ex-Wallaby Garrick Morgan was the last player to make the move to league with no prior senior experience and he featured just twice for the South Queensland Crushers in 1995.
The war of words between league and rugby officials has waged back and forth this year.
RA tried to sign Roosters back-rower Angus Crichton but that raid broke down after the NSW State of Origin forward’s camp became increasingly frustrated with the organisation’s negotiating tactics.
The Roosters were also keen on talented Waratahs youngster Max Jorgensen before the teenager signed an extension with RA earlier this year.
News of Nawaqanitawase’s code switch was followed by further revelations that Eddie Jones was interviewed for the Japan coaching job in Tokyo on Thursday, just weeks after resigning from the Wallabies post less than a year into his five-year contract.
with AAP
Brett Allen
Roar Rookie
There actually isn’t. It’s only 8 interchanges. But that’s not the point. The point is that in a typical NRL game there is bugger all breaks in the game. Sometimes the ball can be in play non stop for up to 7-8 minutes, at full speed, up and down, no scrums, no line outs, no sit down on the field and ask the ref for a breather either, it’s constant; and if you’re perceived to be a weak link in any way, NRL teams will target you mercilessly. The aerobic capacity required for an NRL middle forward is just miles in advance of what is required even in test rugby. It’s not even close.
Brett Allen
Roar Rookie
Yeah I doubt a rugby hooker would be able to make the switch. Caleb Clarke is doing a bit of preseason training with the Rabbitohs and he was shocked at the speed and intensity of NRL preseason training compared to SR preseason. I seriously doubt career rugby hooker could keep up.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
Maybe before the scrum laws were changed but not now. I think Kevin Ryan was thed last rugby prop to do well in league and that is going back a long way.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Why would a good rugby prop want to switch? Massive money on offer in Europe for good props. Hookers would easily switch codes to league as they are commonly similar size to League forwards anyway. 6'2 and 110kg.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Can you imagine how knackered a League forward would be if they had to push in a scrum? I think you either massively over estimate league or massively under estimate Union.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Brett there is so many subs these days thats not true.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Id advise against that sort of extreme measure.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
String?????
Footy Franks
Roar Rookie
The under the table brown paper bags help make the decision easier. Go the mighty roosters, Politis knows how to win. Come on 2024, but Penrith and the strength of the west wiil dominate for the next 5-10 years.
DaveJ
Roar Rookie
“ the opportunity at this young age to play for a club like the Roosters is something that I could not knock back.”. Not clear why this move was such a no brainer if it wasn’t about money.
Brett Allen
Roar Rookie
True, but again, they’ve played RL the whole lives, they’ve built up their endurance. I’m referring to rugby front rowers who might consider a switch.
Packerd
Roar Rookie
Josh Papaliai and Junior Paulo say hold my jugs of beer. :silly:
mushi
Roar Guru
But those three aren't as effective post 6 again (one could argue Sam was more effective as a giant 5/8). There are a couple of giants that still work but they do have freakish motors for their size and get a contrarian benefit. There will be people capable in union. But they probably play for tier 1 nations not teams that can't get past the pool stage
Nick Maguire
Roar Rookie
gray, "What I don’t understand is why he is waiting a year, or if its a contract issue, why RA don’t RA release him?" Because Easts don't need or want him until 2025. Believe it or not they too have a salary cap to manage. RA could just release him but they would still have to pay him anyway so why would they?
mushi
Roar Guru
How far past? Goulding was the last success I can remember. The elite freaks could, but they're also probably happy in their current game.
mushi
Roar Guru
Other articles have chats to this effect but seem to hint at: RA doesn't really want to take on the contract early (especially given the guys that signed up to it aren't carrying the can now) NRL are reluctant to make it work capwise as it is already a bit of a windfall for the roosters (I don't agree with the exemption rule)
mushi
Roar Guru
This isn't an Eddie Jones thread
TPC
Roar Rookie
Is this a joke? RA played the Australian public for fools with their bumbling RWC experiment, no wonder the kids are looking around. Gone are the days when young athletes have to stay put because of some mythical sense of loyalty. I hope he comes back, but he can play whatever game he likes. Same with J.S. and Thorn and SBW before them. You don't speak for me, Geoff.
BigGordon
Roar Rookie
Your crystal ball must be working better than mine. I'm only getting indistinct images in black & white of Mark in footy gear.
NSWelshman
Roar Rookie
"Something I couldn't knock back".............brown paper bag every week surely?