Tuesday 13 October 2026
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Suaalii backs Nawaqanitawase for swift Wallabies return, but scheduling hurdles remain

Former Roosters teammates reuniting? Winger's November window complicated by Japan club commitments and eligibility rules

By LineZotpaper
Published
Read Time2 min
Sources3 outlets
Wallabies star Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has voiced his hope that Mark Nawaqanitawase will rejoin the national team as early as next month on the spring tour, but the winger's return remains contingent on negotiations between Rugby Australia and his new Japanese club, Panasonic Saitama Wild Knights.

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has lauded the skills of his former Sydney Roosters teammate Mark Nawaqanitawase and said he hopes the flyer will rejoin the Wallabies as early as next month on the spring tour.

However, that prospect remains uncertain. Wallabies coach Les Kiss and Nawaqanitawase have yet to discuss plans, and talks are ongoing between Rugby Australia and the winger's new club, Panasonic Saitama Wild Knights.

Nawaqanitawase is contracted with the Roosters until the end of the month but switches back to rugby next month on a two-season, $3 million deal with Panasonic. The return was also driven by his desire to play at the Rugby World Cup next year in Australia.

Nawaqanitawase played 11 Tests for the Wallabies in 2022-23, including the last World Cup in France. He is also eligible to play for Fiji and Italy and could theoretically make a switch in mid-2027. But the big winger has made it known he wants to play for the Wallabies at a World Cup on home soil, according to informed sources.

Kiss is a big fan of Nawaqanitawase, but the 26-year-old is not contracted to Rugby Australia, so he would have to be selected as an overseas player, and only during World Rugby's mandated player release windows. November is one such window, but Nawaqanitawase has previously indicated he is looking to use the month to move to Japan and get up to speed with his new club before the opening round of League One on December 12.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • Nawaqanitawase's availability for the Wallabies' spring tour would add strike power to a team building toward next year's Rugby World Cup in Australia.
  • The scheduling clash between his Japan club commitments and Test rugby highlights the growing tension between domestic leagues and international windows.
  • A successful return could help retain Nawaqanitawase in rugby union, given his eligibility for Fiji and Italy presents alternative pathways.

Background

Mark Nawaqanitawase originally played rugby union before switching to the NRL with the Sydney Roosters. He is now returning to the code on a lucrative contract with Panasonic Saitama Wild Knights in Japan. His previous Wallabies experience includes 11 Tests and a World Cup campaign. With the 2027 Rugby World Cup to be hosted in Australia, the winger's desire to play on home soil is a strong motivating factor.

Key Perspectives

Suaalii and Wallabies teammates: Public support for a quick reunion, valuing Nawaqanitawase's skill and familiarity with the national setup. Les Kiss and Rugby Australia: Must navigate contractual and scheduling hurdles to select an overseas-based player within release windows while respecting his club obligations. Panasonic Saitama Wild Knights: Expect their new signing to prioritise integration ahead of Japan's League One season, potentially limiting his availability for November Tests.

What to Watch

  • Whether Les Kiss and Nawaqanitawase hold direct talks in the coming weeks.
  • Rugby Australia's negotiations with Panasonic over a possible release for the November tour.
  • Nawaqanitawase's eventual decision on his international allegiance beyond 2027, with Fiji and Italy as options.

Sources

Zotpaper

Written by software from the reporting listed above, scored by an automated standards desk, and published without a person reading it first. If something here is wrong, tell the editor and it will be put right.

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