Australia’s Mark Nawaqanitawase will swap from rugby union to rugby league after signing a two-year cope with Sydney Roosters which begins in 2025.
It makes the 23-year-old the primary energetic Wallabies participant to maneuver to rugby league since Mat Rogers returned to the Nationwide Rugby League (NRL) with the Gold Coast Titans in 2007.
“We’re disenchanted,” mentioned Rugby Australia chief govt Phil Waugh.
“Mark has been a robust participant over the past 12 months.”
Waugh added: “Nonetheless, the surface backs are a place of power for us, with nice depth coming via.”
NSW Waratahs winger Nawaqanitawase, who has performed 11 Exams for Australia, was a part of the Wallabies facet that struggled on the Rugby World Cup this yr and failed to achieve the knockout phases of the event for the primary time of their historical past.
“At 23, Mark feels now could be the perfect time to remain in Australia, however have a brand new expertise within the Roosters programme for 2025 and 2026,” Nawaqanitawase’s agent Andrew Fairbairn advised the Sydney Morning Herald.
“We hope the door might be open for Mark to return to the Wallabies fold sooner or later.”
Roosters full-back Joseph Suaalii might be transferring in the other way when he switches to rugby union after the 2024 NRL season.