- Mark Nawaqanitawase gets early release from rugby contract
- He will join the Roosters after playing Rugby Sevens at the Paris Olympics
- He will look to bide his time and learn the ropes of league football in the New South Wales Cup.
The Roosters have confirmed that rugby union star Mark Nawaqanitawase has been granted a release from his contract and will be eligible to join the Tricolours once his Rugby Sevens commitments conclude at the Paris Olympic Games.
Nawaqanitawase, 23, signed a two-year deal last December to join the Roosters in 2025 but after being left out of the Wallabies’ squad for this month’s tests there has been pressure for him to speed up the process so he can spend some time in rugby league this season.
That momentum was confirmed on Tuesday when the club announced it had taken the final spot on its top 30 list, but Roosters fans shouldn’t expect to be rushed into the NRL this season.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson stressed his star recruit would need plenty of time to get used to the new code of football, with Nawaqanitawase likely to spend time in the New South Wales Cup this year.
In a statement, he reaffirmed his stance and said the former Wallaby player will spend a lot of time learning the finer details of what it takes to succeed in rugby league.
The Roosters have some incredibly talented players he will be able to learn from quickly, with Joseph Manu and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii both going the opposite route to rugby union next year.
“While Mark will occupy the final spot in our 2024 squad, our focus will not be on rushing him into the NRL, but rather on accelerating his transition to rugby league,” Robinson said.
‘We are very pleased to have Mark back with us once his commitments in Paris are over.
The Roosters have confirmed that Mark Nawaqanitawase has been granted a release from his contract and will join the Tricolours once his Rugby Sevens commitments at the Paris Olympic Games conclude.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson said the standout convert will have to prove his worth in the New South Wales Cup.
‘We look forward to officially welcoming Mark to the Roosters next month and wish him all the best in his representative duties at the Olympic Games.
‘Good luck!’
Nawaqanitawase made his Test debut in November 2022 against Italy in a 28–27 loss.
A fortnight later, he scored two tries against Wales, leading the Wallabies to a 39–34 victory.
Fellow countryman Carter Gordon has also left for the NRL, signing a two-year contract with the Gold Coast Titans starting in 2025.