Sydney Roosters want Mark Nawaqanitawase for finals run

The Roosters are attempting to prise Mark Nawaqanitawase away from his Rugby Australia contract before June 30 to bolster their outside back stocks for their run to the finals.

Nawaqanitawase signed a two-year contract with the Roosters starting in 2025, but the club is hoping to add him to their roster with immediate effect. The depth in the Roosters’ outside backs is being tested, with Billy Smith and Michael Jennings injured and utility Connor Watson on State of Origin duty.

Nawaqanitawase’s management sought a release from Rugby Australia just over a month ago, although the parties haven’t been able to come to a resolution. It has become apparent that Nawaqanitawase isn’t in the plans of new Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt following his decision to cross codes.

However, a complicating factor is Nawaqanitawase a chance to be named in Australia’s rugby sevens squad for next month’s Olympic Games in Paris. On Tuesday, Australian sevens coach John Manenti described the 23-year-old as “the biggest body we’ve got” and a potential point of difference for the Paris campaign.

The Roosters have been in touch with the NRL in a bid to work through the details of a potential June 30 move and whether head office would consider registering him for this year if he played at the Olympics.

“At this stage the Roosters have expressed interest in bringing Mark Nawaqanitawase prior to his contract start date,” his agent, Milan Volavola-Shankar, said.

“We are in the midst of discussions and negotiations with Rugby Australia about the prospect of an early release subject to his pending selection in rugby sevens for the Olympics.”

The Titans also have an interest in bringing their new Wallabies signing, Carter Gordon, to the Gold Coast before June 30 after signing him from 2025. However, Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh said he wouldn’t consider an early release because Gordon was still in contention to play for the Wallabies.