Cross-code superstar Mark Nawaqanitawase hasn’t officially ruled out a return to the NRL one day as he prepares to shift back to rugby union in a bid to make the Wallabies World Cup squad.
Nawaqanitawase will end his three-year stint at the Roosters when this season finishes before moving to Japan to join Saitama Wild Knights.
The exciting outside back spoke to media in Bondi and did his best to dodge questions around future rep honours in both codes.
The 25-year-old has been part of discussions for a NSW Blues debut and also joined a pre-season Origin camp.
He told reporters he hasn’t received a call from coach Laurie Daley recently and while admitting it would be a dream to play for the Blues he defaulted frequently that his focus at the moment is on the Roosters.
Asked about a spring campaign with the Wallabies too, Nawaqanitawase said it’s the “last thing on my mind”.
Since switching to league though, he admits there’s been changes in his ability as an athlete.
“I’m a different player to what I was two or three years ago,” he said.
“In a non-arrogant way, bigger, better and faster. I’ve grown up a little bit. My physical aspect means I can do a lot more and just (be better) defensively as well. I’ve learned so much that I know it will make me a better player wherever I go.”
“Like I’ve said before, it could be an option, but it’s so far away so I don’t know,” he said.
Nawaqanitawase also had emotions about leaving the Roosters, declaring “I’m going to miss everyone”.
“Actually the last few weeks I’ve come to the realisation it’s going to be my last few days coming up. It’s been quite sad thinking about it because I love the club, I love the boys,” he said.
Teammate Angus Crichton is also in a similar position, leaving the Roosters for rugby union at the end of the season.
The thoughts of saying goodbye to his teammates haven’t quite come to him yet.
“Knowing it was probably going to be my last Anzac Day game I had a few thoughts but I’m not thinking big picture yet so I guess those emotions will probably come down the track later on,” he said.
