Sports · Other Sports · 2 hrs ago
Wallabies coach says Nawaqanitawase must relearn rugby before recall
Wallabies coach Les Kiss says Mark Nawaqanitawase must earn a recall rather than expect a place in Australia’s team.
The 26-year-old Australian winger is set to play rugby union again after two seasons in rugby league, and will join Japan’s Saitama Wild Knights.
Kiss says he needs to relearn parts of rugby union, which differs from league in areas such as how players attack and contest height.
Nawaqanitawase starred in league, scoring 49 tries in 49 NRL games and helping the Sydney Roosters win the 2025 grand final.
He is eligible to represent Italy or Fiji through family links, but choosing either country would rule out playing for Australia again.
A place at the 2027 World Cup is not guaranteed; Kiss says players will earn selection through their performances.
Nawaqanitawase is expected to return to rugby in Japan, and Australian selectors will continue to monitor him.
Wallabies coach Les Kiss says Mark Nawaqanitawase must return to rugby and relearn aspects of the 15-player game before he can earn a Test recall.
Kiss says Australia has other wing options and will monitor Nawaqanitawase rather than guarantee him a place.
Nawaqanitawase is set to play for Japan’s Saitama Wild Knights after two seasons in rugby league.
Under World Rugby rules, he could become eligible to represent Italy or Fiji from August next year, but switching allegiance would end his eligibility for Australia.
The 26-year-old could be considered for the 2027 World Cup if he performs well.
- Who
- Wallabies coach Les Kiss and dual-code international Mark Nawaqanitawase.
- What
- Kiss says Nawaqanitawase must return to rugby and relearn its nuances before earning a Wallabies recall.
- When
- Kiss made the comments on Thursday, October 15, 2026.
- Where
- Kiss spoke ahead of Australia’s Bledisloe Cup match against the All Blacks in Sydney.
- Why
- Nawaqanitawase has been away from rugby union, and Kiss says he needs to get back into the game before a recall can be considered.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Nawaqanitawase scored the NRL try of the season.
Kiss said Nawaqanitawase needed to get back into rugby before a Wallabies recall could be considered.
Nawaqanitawase is due to become eligible to represent Italy or Fiji under World Rugby laws.
Nawaqanitawase could be in contention for the Rugby World Cup if he performs well.
- Age
- 26
- Rugby league record
- 49 tries in 49 games
- Japan club
- Saitama Wild Knights
- Reported Japan contract
- $3 million over two years
- Potential alternative eligibility
- Italy through his grandmother, or Fiji through his father
- World Cup year
- 2027
3 sources
What people are saying
Everyone will earn their way
If he's playing good footy, he'll be in the mix. That's for sure.
There's no doubt he's a quality player that we'll keep an eye on.
There's a lot of things and nuances in the game that are quite different (to rugby league).