Roosters star Mark Nawaqanitwase must be selected by Kevin Walters for this year’s Ashes Tour despite his impending exit from the NRL according to a pair of rugby league greats.

Nawaqanitwase has enjoyed a stellar 2025 campaign in his first full season of NRL, with the winger rocketing into serious contention to earn a spot in the Kangaroos’ squad.

Despite his early success in the sport after switching from rugby union last year, Nawaqanitwase has already confirmed he will head back to the 15-man code when his contract with the Roosters finishes at the conclusion of the 2026 season.

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The 25-year-old harbours a strong desire to represent the Wallabies in a home World Cup in 2027.

Fox League’s Matty Johns and Cooper Cronk both believe Kangaroos selectors should consider selecting Nawaqanitawse even though he plans to leave the sport for a rival code, pointing to the positive impact the talented dual-sport star has had on the NRL.

“There’s talk because they won’t select him because he’s going to union. Select him, he deserves to go,” Johns said.

“He’s a beacon for other union players and go, ‘look what it’s done for this guy’s profile, he’s been a success story, I might just give this sport a crack.”

“If he wants to play for the Wallabies, go on, but he will come back because of the experience,” Cronk added.

“If you don’t pick him now and those things then he’ll go, ‘well, you know what (and might reconsider coming back).”

The high-flying Nawaqanitawase led the NRL in tries this season.Source: Getty Images

Nawaqanitawase’s sensational rookie season was one for the ages.

He led the league in tries (24) and was voted by his peers as the RLPA Rookie of the Year award.

If it wasn’t for a controversial mid-season rule change that ruled him ineligible for it, he’d win Wednesday night’s Dally M Rookie of the Year with the ears pricked.

Nawaqanitawase is hoping he receives a call from Walters in the coming days and add his name to the short list of players who have represented Australia in league and union.

“I’m very lucky to have represented the Wallabies already,” he said, “Any time you can represent your country is so special. I was lucky enough to go to the Paris Olympics,” he told Code Sports.

“To play for the Kangaroos would mean so much to myself and my family.

“I haven’t heard anything but I’m still training and if I do get a call up I’ll be ready to go.”

Nawaqanitawase also revealed he is keeping his options open regarding his future. He’s certainly willing to consider a move back to the Roosters after the 2027 World Cup – potentially to replace James Tedesco at fullback – but doesn’t want to think too far ahead.

“Nothing is permanent. I’m still in the process of looking at rugby opportunities,” he said.

“I’m open to anything but again, I’m just worried about next year doing the very best I can for the Roosters. That’s so far away.

“And another thing, you’ve got no idea of the talent that’s coming through at the Roosters the academy and upwards.

“If I do come back, they’ll be hard to get past.”