The Sydney Roosters have been rocked by a stunning revelation, with star winger Mark Nawaqanitawase reportedly informing club officials that he will leave the NRL at the conclusion of the 2026 season. The 25-year-old’s decision is set to send shockwaves through the rugby league world, as he plans a return to rugby union ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, which will be held on home soil.

According to reports from the Sydney Morning Herald, Nawaqanitawase has made it clear to the Roosters that his ambition is to represent the Wallabies at the upcoming World Cup. This revelation comes despite the club reportedly offering a potential contract extension to retain the talented flyer beyond his current deal.

The news marks a major blow for the Tricolours, who have relied heavily on Nawaqanitawase’s impact since he joined the club. After a successful stint with the Australian rugby sevens team at the Paris Olympics in 2024, Nawaqanitawase transitioned to the NRL, where he quickly established himself as one of the league’s brightest young talents. His pace, agility, and finishing ability have made him a key attacking weapon for the Roosters in his debut season.

Sources indicate that the Roosters were actively negotiating with Nawaqanitawase’s management in recent months, hoping to secure his services for the foreseeable future. However, it appears the winger’s mind is firmly set on rugby union, prioritizing his dream of representing Australia on the global stage over continuing his career in the NRL.

“Nawaqanitawase reportedly told club powerbrokers his dream was to represent the Wallabies at the World Cup, snubbing a potential extension to remain at the Roosters,” the reports state. This revelation underscores the difficult position the club finds itself in, losing a young player who has already become an influential figure both on and off the field.

The transition back to rugby union will see Nawaqanitawase likely sign with an overseas franchise once his contract with the Roosters expires. Rather than joining a domestic Super Rugby team, the flyer is expected to head abroad to further his career in union while keeping himself eligible for Wallabies selection. The removal of the Giteau rule in August means that Nawaqanitawase will still be able to represent Australia despite playing his club rugby overseas, opening a pathway for his international ambitions.

Despite the looming departure from the NRL, Nawaqanitawase’s immediate future still includes rugby league. He is reportedly set to be named in the Kangaroos 22-man squad for the upcoming Ashes series tour of England. There, he is expected to compete with established stars such as Zac Lomax and Xavier Coates for a spot in the starting lineup, providing an intriguing subplot for fans as his dual-code future remains uncertain.

The Roosters’ management now faces a significant challenge in planning for the 2026 season and beyond. Losing a player of Nawaqanitawase’s caliber will not only impact their attacking dynamics but could also influence recruitment strategies and salary cap planning. The club’s attempts to negotiate with his representatives reportedly failed to sway the winger’s decision, emphasizing the strength of his personal ambition to pursue rugby union at the highest level.

Nawaqanitawase’s decision follows a trend among young athletes who have successfully transitioned between rugby league and rugby union, seeking new challenges and international representation opportunities. While the Roosters will undoubtedly be disappointed, the winger’s career trajectory highlights the increasing mobility of athletes across both codes and the lure of international competition as a career-defining goal.

Fans and commentators have already begun speculating on who might fill the void left by Nawaqanitawase in Sydney. The Roosters may look to invest in emerging talent or target marquee signings to maintain their competitive edge. Meanwhile, the winger’s future in rugby union is generating excitement among Wallabies supporters, who are eager to see how his NRL-honed skills translate to the international union game.

“Nawaqanitawase will still be eligible to play for the Wallabies after the Giteau rule was wiped in August,” sources confirm, highlighting the strategic advantage of his overseas move in preserving his international ambitions. This eligibility factor adds a layer of complexity to his career planning, as he balances the immediate impact in rugby league with long-term aspirations in union.

In the meantime, the Roosters will turn their focus to maximizing Nawaqanitawase’s contributions over the next season and a half, ensuring the team remains competitive while preparing for life after his eventual departure. The winger’s story serves as a reminder of the delicate balance clubs must navigate in managing talent, contracts, and player ambitions in today’s professional sporting landscape.

The departure of Mark Nawaqanitawase is more than just a loss of a single player; it represents a pivotal moment for the Roosters, who must now adapt to the reality of a changing roster while continuing to chase NRL success. For the player himself, it is a decisive step toward fulfilling a long-held dream of representing his country at the Rugby World Cup, marking the next chapter in a career that has already captivated fans across both rugby codes.