Mark Nawaqanitawase to leave Sydney Roosters for Japan

Mark Nawaqanitawase has announced his intention to leave the Sydney Roosters at the end of the current NRL season to return to rugby union. The dual international, who has spent two years in the NRL, will join the Saitama Wild Knights in Japan’s League One competition.

Nawaqanitawase expressed deep loyalty to the Roosters, stating that if he were to ever return to the NRL, he would only consider playing for the club again. He also dismissed rumors regarding participation in the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, focusing instead on his upcoming transition to Japan.