The Roosters are reportedly set for a contract battle to retain Mark Nawaqanitawase and could have to make him the game\u2019s highest-paid winger to keep him in the NRL.<\/p>\n
That is according to WWOS<\/a>, who are reporting Rugby Australia are preparing a bid to lure the 24-year-old back to the 15-man code.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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 ><\/a><\/p>\n The star winger\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Ahead of the 2025 season, both Joey Manu and Joseph Suaalii made the switch to rugby union, while Nawaqanitawase joined the Tricolours.<\/p>\n As it stands, the NRL\u2019s top-paid wingers are reportedly Zac Lomax and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck who earn around $650,000 per-season.<\/p>\n Mark Nawaqanitawase could become the NRL\u2019s highest-paid winger.Source: News Corp Australia<\/p>\n Therefore, Nawaqanitawase could become the richest winger in the game should the Roosters meet his management\u2019s demands.<\/p>\n Speaking to media on Tuesday, the gun winger was asked if he had been weighing up his options ahead of his contract call.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t process it, I just leave it,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cLeave it to the side, it\u2019s something I don\u2019t have to figure out until the end of the year I guess.<\/p>\n \u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Nawaqanitawase\u2019s name has also come up in conversations regarding the Kangaroos\u2019 Ashes tour at the end of the 2025 season.<\/p>\n Walker opens up on Smith’s mindset | 00:58<\/p>\n MORE NRL NEWS<\/p>\n MCKINNON: Why old boy must coach resurgent Knights; reality of cut-price DCE deal<\/a><\/p>\n TEAMS: Ricky\u2019s big Raiders resting call; star Bronco benched for \u2018breach\u2019<\/a><\/p>\n