The Roosters have suffered a major blow with star winger Mark Nawaqanitawase reportedly informing the club he will leave at the end of 2026 to chase his dream of playing for the Wallabies at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

The 25-year-old, one of the Tricolours’ best in his debut NRL season after joining post-Paris Olympics, has reportedly turned down a $700,000-a-year offer to instead pursue a $1 million deal in European rugby.

“We were given an indication weeks ago that Mark wanted to go back to rugby union and we respected his wishes. However we are extremely confident he will return to the Roosters after the Rugby World Cup,” a club official told News Corp.

Mark Nawaqanitawase may not have qualified for the Dally M Rookie of the Year, but the Roosters flyer has still been recognised by his peers, taking out the RLPA Rookie of the Year award for 2025.

In his first full NRL season, the 25-year-old lit up the competition with 24 tries in 23 games and 119 tackle breaks, helping the Roosters reach the finals. His standout performances also put him in line for a Kangaroos debut.

RLPA boss Clint Newton praised his impact, saying:
"Mark has had a fantastic season and there is no higher recognition than that of the players you compete against week in, week out. His transition from rugby union has been nothing short of impressive, and our members have recognised his superior performances."

League great Paul Gallen added: “Well done Marky Mark – he thoroughly deserves it.”

Nawaqanitawase beat out nominees Leka Halasima, Robert Toia, Isaiah Iongi and Savelio Tamale for the award.

Mark Nawaqanitawase turned it all the way up as his side torched the 2nd-placed Melbourne Storm in a 40-10 demolition.

The flying winger lit up the park with a freakish stat sheet: 20 carries for 173 metres, 4 tries, 4 linebreaks and 6 tackle busts. It was vintage “Marky Mark” – unstoppable with ball in hand, carving holes at will and reminding everyone why he’s firmly in the Kangaroos conversation.

He’s now right on the doorstep of the Ken Irvine Medal as the NRL’s leading try-scorer. And the script couldn’t be better – one round left, arch-rival Rabbitohs up next, with finals on the line.

A win there not only locks up a top-8 spot but caps off what’s been a breakout year for Nawaqanitawase

The Roosters caught fire in Brisbane last night, running riot against a helpless Dolphins outfit.

Winger Mark Nawaqanitawase opened the scoring in the 4th minute with a trademark leap, before crossing again just four minutes later.

He completed his hat-trick with another towering grab, outjumping the defence and running it in untouched.

It was a fiery contest, but the Roosters proved far too strong, cruising to a 64–12 victory.

In the same match, Siua Wong’s night ended early after being knocked out cold in the 11th minute by fellow Fiji Bati representative Kurt Donoghoe.

Mark Nawaqanitawase scored 2 tries in the Roosters big win over the Cowboys 42-8 on Sunday. The former Wallaby took an intercept in the 30th minute to race away while the 2nd came after some great lead-up play.

He made the most metres for his side with 245 from 25 runs, 45 post contact metres and 8 tackle breaks. He now has 12 tries in 13 appearances and the Rookie of the year tag is starting to do the rounds.

The Roosters jumped 3 places and back into the top 8 into 7th spot after beating the Knights at home. Siua Wong scored his first try of the season in the 70th minute when he chased through a grubber kick. His 4 pointer put the visitors in the lead for the first time in the game and would ultimately prove the difference.