Life-changing decision facing ‘adventurer’ with global superstardom in play

Celebrity manager Max Markson says Mark Nawaqanitawase would be “crazy” to snub the Wallabies at the 2027 Rugby World Cup, saying the code-hopper could become a genuine global “superstar” by representing Australia.

Nawaqanitawase - a Wallabies standout at the 2023 World Cup who was let down by a misfiring team - is also eligible to play for Fiji or Italy through his heritage.

Wallabies coach Les Kiss is confident the 26-year-old winger will commit to Australia, but Fiji have indicated they will present a strong pitch for his services, and Nawaqanitawase said he would wait until next year to make his decision.

The Rugby World Cup has grown to be one of the biggest sporting events on the planet.

More than 250,000 fans are expected to visit Australia for the tournament, making it the country’s biggest sporting event since the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney.

Organisers are predicting it will reel in more than $1.3 billion to the Australian economy.

Nawaqanitawase’s incredible highlights reel across both rugby and league, and an easy-to-warm-to personality, make him an obvious choice for Rugby Australia to push as the face of the tournament.

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Provided he actually plays for them.

“He should definitely play for Australia,” Markson told nine.com.au.

“Australia is the biggest country, compared to Fiji and Italy, for rugby union. I mean, it’s just crazy for him to go anywhere else. Obviously, it is up to him. But if he does Australia, then he’s going to become a superstar.”

Markson knows first-hand about the huge pulling power of the World Cup.

He organised tours, dinners and events in Australia and New Zealand for Martin Johnson, England’s iconic 2003 World Cup-winning captain.

The interest was huge and Markson said Nawaqanitawase could set him and his family up for life if he was handled well as a Wallabies pin-up.

The Matildas’ stratospheric on and off-field success at the 2023 home FIFA World Cup underscored what was possible.

As did observing Sonny Bill Williams in France for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The man was mobbed on the street and in stadiums and at times could barely move.

“If he wants my advice, follow the money,” Markson said.

Of course, money isn’t everything and Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson offered an interesting perspective after watching him score two tries in the NRL grand final win this month.

Nawaqanitawase has also represented the Kangaroos in league, Australia’s sevens team at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, and is about to start a lucrative two-year contract in Japan with the Saitama Wild Knights.

“Mark’s a bit of an adventurer,” Robinson said.

“He’s always going to travel and play in those different codes. But I wouldn’t be surprised if you see him back (in NRL) one day. I feel like he’s made a big difference to us.

“And we’ve also made a big difference to him... I’m just trying to think of a winger that’s had as big an impact (in league).

”What Mark’s done from the wing, wingers touching the ball in so many different types and styles and that. I hope he’s created another generation of those types of players.”