Mark Nawaqanitawase may have already committed to returning to rugby union, but the NRL isn’t ready to let one of its brightest stars leave just yet. In a remarkable twist, the league is exploring an unprecedented short-term contract extension that could keep the Sydney Roosters flyer in rugby league long enough to play in this year’s Rugby League World Cup.
The proposal would allow Nawaqanitawase to represent the Kangaroos before beginning the next chapter of his career in Japanese rugby with Saitama Wild Knights.
According to Code Sports, the NRL is considering offering Nawaqanitawase a special two-week contract extensionbeyond the end of the 2026 premiership season.
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The unique arrangement would ensure he remains contractually tied to rugby league throughout the Rugby League World Cup, which runs from October 15 to November 15, before he officially joins his new rugby union club.
The move highlights just how highly the NRL rates the former Wallaby.
Nawaqanitawase has been one of the competition’s breakout stars since switching codes, earning State of Origin honours with New South Wales and developing into one of the Sydney Roosters’ most dangerous attacking weapons. His spectacular ball skills and finishing ability have made him one of the game’s biggest drawcards.
There is, however, one significant hurdle.
Nawaqanitawase is already contracted to join Saitama Wild Knights in Japan at the completion of the NRL season as he pursues a return to rugby union ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup on home soil. Any extension would therefore require cooperation between the NRL, Rugby Australia and his new Japanese club.
The winger has previously made it clear he would welcome the chance to represent Australia in the Rugby League World Cup if a solution could be found.
Speaking after the State of Origin series, Nawaqanitawase said:
“It would be a great opportunity… I’d be more than happy to be a part of it.”
He added that discussions with his incoming club would determine whether it could happen.
If approved, the proposal would be unlike anything the NRL has previously implemented.
Rather than asking a player to choose between club and country, the league would effectively create a temporary extension allowing one of its marquee stars to complete the international tournament before honouring his existing rugby union contract.
It would also represent another chapter in rugby league’s growing battle with rugby union over elite talent.
Nawaqanitawase has become one of several high-profile players to move between the two codes in recent years, with his performances proving that the transition can be an immediate success.
Whether the proposal ultimately receives approval remains to be seen.
But the fact the NRL is willing to consider such an unusual arrangement underlines one thing.
The league is determined to ensure one of its newest stars gets the chance to shine on rugby league’s biggest international stage before he heads back to the 15-man game.
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