The Roosters are reportedly set for a contract battle to retain Mark Nawaqanitawase and could have to make him the game’s highest-paid winger to keep him in the NRL.
That is according to WWOS, who are reporting Rugby Australia are preparing a bid to lure the 24-year-old back to the 15-man code.
Nawaqanitawase comes off-contract on November 1, with his current deal worth a reported $500,000 a season coming to an end after the 2026 season.
FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer >
The star winger’s management are reportedly hopeful of securing a fresh contract worth $700,000 per-season, earning a pay rise after an explosive first season in the NRL.
Roosters powerbrokers reportedly have a desire to retain his services, and are hopeful of avoiding the loss of yet another star outside back to rugby union.
As it stands, the NRL’s top-paid wingers are reportedly Zac Lomax and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck who earn around $650,000 per-season.
Mark Nawaqanitawase could become the NRL’s highest-paid winger.Source: News Corp Australia
Therefore, Nawaqanitawase could become the richest winger in the game should the Roosters meet his management’s demands.
Speaking to media on Tuesday, the gun winger was asked if he had been weighing up his options ahead of his contract call.
“I don’t process it, I just leave it,” he said.
“Leave it to the side, it’s something I don’t have to figure out until the end of the year I guess.
“I do, I love the code. As I said, I am enjoying it and having a lot of fun at the moment. Just looking forward to the next year I have got and whatever comes from it.”
Nawaqanitawase’s name has also come up in conversations regarding the Kangaroos’ Ashes tour at the end of the 2025 season.
Walker opens up on Smith’s mindset | 00:58
MORE NRL NEWS
MCKINNON: Why old boy must coach resurgent Knights; reality of cut-price DCE deal
TEAMS: Ricky’s big Raiders resting call; star Bronco benched for ‘breach’
‘COSTLY MISTAKE’: Broncos called out over player dramas as incident explained
Should he debut under Kevin Walters, he would become the 49th dual international and also the first since 1991 to play for the Wallabies and then the Kangaroos.
However, he’s also eligible to play for Fiji in the Pacific Championships but he’s currently focused on the Roosters’ finals bid.
“There’s been a lot of chat, but obviously purely focused here,” he said.
“Just trying to get to the finals and play some good footy and hopefully make a run for the premiership… any rep one, any player that is selected, it’s an honour.
“So if that time comes hopefully I will feel good for it.”