The Roosters have been handed a hammer blow, with star winger Mark Nawaqanitawase reportedly informing the club he will be leaving the club at the end of the 2026 season.
According to the SMH, Nawaqanitawase will leave rugby league to make a rugby union return in time for a home World Cup in 2027.
The 25-year-old has been one of the Tricolours best players in his debut NRL campaign, having joined the Roosters after his time with the Australian rugby sevens team at the Paris Olympics came to an end in 2024.
Nawaqanitawase reportedly told club powerbrokers his dream was to represent the Wallabies at the World Cup, snubbing a potential extension to remain at the Roosters.
The gun flyer will reportedly sign with an overseas rugby union franchise once his contract with the Roosters comes to an end, instead of joining an Australian super rugby franchise.
Nawaqanitawase will still be eligible to play for the Wallabies after the Giteau rule was wiped in August.
Despite his rugby league departure looming, the superstar winger is reportedly set to be named in the Kangaroos 22-man squad to tour England in the upcoming Ashes series.
He will reportedly compete with both Zac Lomax and Xavier Coates for a spot in the starting side.
The Roosters had previously reportedly attempted to negotiate with Nawaqanitawase’s management to extend his time at the club.
Originally published as Roosters bombshell as breakout star to walk out on the club
