Nawaqanitawase desperate to extend wild NRL sojourn one more week
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He’s been in the NRL for basically five minutes, but Mark Nawaqanitawase has achieved more in his short career than others do over years.
He’s played State of Origin, he’s played for the Kangaroos, and he’s a win away from playing in a grand final.
Mark Nawaqanitawase scores against the Sharks last weekend. Getty Images
Since making the switch from rugby sevens after the Paris 2024 Olympics, ‘Marky Mark’ has undeniably set the NRL on fire. He’s scored tries for fun – and stopped just as many – opposite some of the best wingers in the game, and done it all with a smile.
He scored on debut in the final round of the 2024 season, and virtually hasn’t stopped. He’s scored 43 tries from 45 appearances, including nine doubles, four hat-tricks and even a four-try haul against the Storm in late 2025.
It’s a cliché in sport for a player to say they’re taking it a game at a time, but Nawaqanitawase has been savouring every moment he can with the Roosters before he returns to rugby later this year.
“I’m just happy to be playing another game,” he told media including nine.com.au after the Roosters’ semi final win over the Sharks.
“Obviously, I want to get to the (grand final), but there’s a process to that, and that’s being able to play each week with everyone. It’s exciting to go again.
"I've got to try and enjoy every day with a lot of my teammates, with the people at the club."
Nawaqanitawase arrived in the NRL after a four-year stint with the NSW Waratahs, during which time he also played 11 Tests for the Wallabies.
He is returning to the 15-man game with an eye to the home Rugby World Cup next October-November. He is not expecting to play any internationals in either code this year, opting to join his new Japanese club rather than play for Australia at the Rugby League World Cup next month.
But before he leaves, he has one more NRL bucket list item to tick off.
“Just to play for the Roosters was a big thing for me … a huge honour” Nawaqanitawase said.
“Obviously, representing Australia, to don the Blues jersey as well, they’re all great feats. I guess this is another one – going to my first prelim.
Cobbo and Nawaqanitawase leap for a high ball during Origin III. NRL Images
His rivalry with Ronaldo Mulitalo was one of the most fierce in the competition, and he will on Friday night find himself opposite Dolphins flyer Selwyn Cobbo – as he did during Origin.
“He’s having a terrific year, the Dolphins are doing really well … I versed him in Origin, so I know it’s going to be good,” he said.
“It’s going to be a tough effort. He’s a great player, he’s physically a great athlete as well. I will be ready for it.
"Do or die."
The Roosters flew to Brisbane on Thursday ahead of Friday night’s game at Suncorp Stadium.
