Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt is keeping close tabs on Mark Nawaqanitawase’s NRL heroics as Rugby Australia hope to bring him back for their home World Cup in 2027.
Nawaqanitawase scored six tries in 11 Tests for the Wallabies before switching to the Sydney Roosters this year.
The winger has enjoyed a spectacular debut NRL season and is the competition’s leading try-scorer with 23 in 22 games.
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Mark Nawaqanitawase of the Wallabies runs with the ball. Getty
Nawaqanitawase was one of Australia’s best at a dismal 2023 World Cup and could form a lethal backline combination with the likes of Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Max Jorgensen and Tom Wright if he were to return.
The 25-year-old comes off contract at the end of the 2026 NRL season and is keeping his options open beyond that.
“Mark Nawaqanitawase is a guy that we’ve kept our eye on for sure,” Schmidt told reporters on Thursday.
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Mark Nawaqanitawase of the Wallabies scores a try. Getty
“He’s certainly scored some pretty impressive tries for the Roosters and I don’t think we discount anyone in terms of players who have either been in the gold jersey previously or have come through the school system and potentially would like to be back involved with rugby union.
“Just because there’s so much talent amongst some of those players and his athleticism in the air is not too different from Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii. So to have athletes like that, it’s always something that would add value.
“But at the same time, we’ve got guys who’ve stayed invested in rugby union and Max Jorgensen has been outstanding, Corey Toole has come through and his two Tests have been really impressive. Harry Potter, before he got injured, was playing really well and Dylan Pietsch brings a real physical edge out wide. And so there are a few wingers that have been good for us as well.”
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RA are already pumping huge money into Suaalii’s contract while Jorgensen will also need to be looked after with NRL always lurking.
Nawaqanitawase could command huge money playing club rugby in Europe or Japan while still being available for the Wallabies.
Test great Michael Hooper supported that option on Stan Sport last week.
“I saw Mark in passing a couple of weeks ago and he certainly looked in good shape,” Schmidt said.
“I’ve seen him score a couple of very impressive tries. He loves getting in the corner quite acrobatically. There’s a few guys floating around that have been in the rugby union production line who I don’t think Rugby Australia have closed the door on. A lot of that rests in Mark’s court as to what he does next.
“I haven’t spoke to Trent (Robinson, Roosters coach) about it, but yeah, I’m not sure Trent is looking to let him go at this stage either.”