Dual-code wing Mark Nawaqanitawase to join Japanese team

Australia’s dual-code wing Mark Nawaqanitawase has inked a two-year deal with a Japanese division one club, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

The 25-year-old Sydney Roosters wing will spend a second season in the NRL this year before moving to Japan as he returns to union to earn a spot at the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

Nawaqanitawase has penned a lucrative deal with more than $1 million a season and has resisted offers from France, Jonathan Drennan reported.

The former Waratahs flyer, who scored 24 tries in 23 games in his first season with the Roosters, last played for the Wallabies at the 2023 World Cup and will become eligible for Italy and Fiji in October. 

Nawaqanitawase at the 2023 World Cup

Nawaqanitawase will join a growing number of ex-NRL stars in Japan with Saitama’s Marika Koroibete and Shizuoka pair Semi Radradra and Valynce Te Whare among those who have crossed codes.

Former Wallabies teammates Samu Kerevi, Bernard Foley and fit-again Noah Lolesio all ply their trade Japan’s star-studded competition which runs from December to June.

Clubs are allowed three Category C (Test players capped by a country other than Japan) in their matchday squads.

The classification rules will be tightened next season in a move to increase playing time for homegrown players to support Japan’s national team.

A 30-cap threshold has been set for foreign-born players who have played for the Brave Blossoms, which will see a host of players reclassified from Category A (Japan international) to the new A2 category.

Teams will be allowed to field nine non-A1 players in their 23-man matchday squads.

This summer could see the most transfer activity in the League One era with clubs overhauling their squads to meet the new rules.

The Kangaroos lit up the NRL last season for the Roosters

Nawaqanitawase, who made his Kangaroos debut last year against England, is represented by the Foundation Sports Group and is yet to follow any Japanese clubs on Instagram.

The Roosters will kick off their 2026 season away at the Warriors on Friday 6 March.