Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

Mark Nawaqanitawase Roosters return talk has already started, with the Sydney Roosters winger confirming discussions with club chairman Nick Politis before his two-year switch back to rugby union.

The 25-year-old will leave the Sydney Roosters at the end of the season to join Japanese rugby union club Saitama Wild Knights, a move that also keeps him available for Australia ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

The code switch comes during a major State of Origin week, with Cameron Munster carrying Queensland’s legacy into the Brisbane decider.

Politis Wants Roosters Reunion

Politis told the Sydney Morning Herald that “the club wants Mark back” after his rugby union stint.

“We’ve told his manager that and we think in June 2028 we can see him at the Roosters again. Hopefully, by then he will be missing playing league,” Politis said.

Nawaqanitawase said he had already spoken with Politis, but would not commit to a decision so far out.

“I love him, he’s a good man,” Nawaqanitawase said.

“It’s the same as what I told him, it’s too far away to tell right now but always grateful to him and the Roosters for their love and support – continued love and support.

“We’ll see what happens, it’s a long time away.”

Origin Could Shape His Future

Nawaqanitawase has 11 rugby union caps for the Wallabies, but his State of Origin debut for New South Wales has added another pull toward rugby league.

“Yeah, definitely,” Nawaqanitawase said of Origin luring him back to the NRL. “It always has been [a great concept], it has been part of my life for a while and to be here and feel it, it’s very enticing. But it’s a long way away. We’ll see.”

The winger also wants to leave the Roosters “with a premiership” before heading to Japan.

For now, his future sits between three major stages: the NRL, State of Origin and the Rugby World Cup.

Official rugby league updates are available through the NRL.