'Terrible shame': Phil Gould reacts after Mark Nawaqanitawase opts for rugby union return in 2027

Mark Nawaqanitawase's stint in the NRL looks set to end next year, with the cross-code sensation expected to switch back to rugby union.

According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the star winger has informed Sydney Roosters officials of his desire to move back to the 15-man code for the 2027 World Cup.

The 25-year-old was a revelation in his first full season of rugby league, leading the competition for tries and becoming a household name with the Tricolours.

READ MORE: Slater pinpoints glaring 'talent' issue after Dogs' collapse

READ MORE: Jake Paul slams 'clown' as insane size difference laid bare

READ MORE: Hynes' salty remark highlights clear personality switch

Nawaqanitawase had been mulling over his future for a number of months and was set to become a free agent from November 1, but has already decided on his next move.

He will see out the final year of his contract with the Roosters in 2026.

Reacting to the news on Tuesday afternoon, Phil Gould admitted that the situation was eerily similar to that of Joseph Suaalii, who informed the Roosters well in advance that he would be moving to rugby union on a massive deal worth $1.6 million per year.

"It seems to me we've heard this song before ... it was the same thing with Suaalii," he said on Wide World of Sports' Six Tackles With Gus.

"That's a loss, but that's the modern world. They've bought a good player, but they've bought 12 months of publicity now. It's a good investment.

"[It is a] terrible shame and what a sensation he's been. It's sad for our game, I would have liked to have seen him in our game long-term."

Watch the 2025 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.

While his long-term future won't be in rugby league, it's expected that Nawaqanitawase will be named in the 22-man Kangaroos squad in a fortnight's time.

He would be in the mix for a spot on the wing for the Ashes, with the likes of Xavier Coates and Zac Lomax also likely to be among the touring squad.

Should he pull on the green and gold kit against England, Nawaqanitawase would join a host of greats including Wendell Sailor, Lote Tuqiri and Mat Rogers as a dual international.

As for when he does return to union, Nawaqanitawase is expected to snub Super Rugby clubs and play overseas, but will still be eligible to represent the Wallabies.

Rugby Australia has scaled up the 'Giteau rule' in a bid to have all of the top Aussie players available to feature for the national side in major tournaments.

It has allowed the likes of Will Skelton to play in other competitions across the globe while still being on deck for the Wallabies when required.

At this stage neither Nawaqanitawase nor the Roosters have made an official announcement on his plans to depart the club at the end of next year.