Emotional code-hopper Mark Nawaqanitawase commits to Roosters for any future NRL comeback

An emotional Mark Nawaqanitawase has ruled out ever playing for any other NRL club than the Sydney Roosters as he eyes the ultimate farewell to rugby league.

Returning to rugby at season’s end, Nawaqanitawase will remain among the hottest free agents in either code whenever he comes off contract as he routinely floats between the 13 and 15-man game.

But the dual international is adamant he will only ever consider donning the Tricolours after detailing how much of a wrench it is to be leaving the Roosters after a spectacular two-year stint in the NRL.

“If I was to ever come back, it’d only be for the Roosters,” Nawaqanitawase, who is of Fijian and Italian heritage, said on Monday.

“It’s been above and beyond what I thought it would go like, so I’m enjoying it every week and hopefully I can continue to enjoy it for the next two.

Whether it’s scoring the most freakish of tries or setting them up, the superstar winger has proven a one-man highlights reel for the Roosters and almost choked up when talking about moving on.

“It’s a bit sad sometimes, like just thinking about leaving everyone,” he said.

“But I’m just trying to enjoy it while I can. I don’t try to get too caught up in it. Obviously I definitely do reminisce on some of the good times and feel that, but for the most part just enjoy it every day I can.”

Headed for the Saitama Wild Knights in Japan’s League One competition, Nawaqanitawase also shut down talk of potentially playing at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.

The happily single 26-year-old will be living alone for the first time and says learning to adapt to domestic duties is a priority.

“I’m just having a bit of time off before I leave the country, spending time with my family, my friends and then having that respect just to start up a new club and find my feet there,” Nawaqanitawase said.

“It’ll be my first time living out of home, so I just get my head around cooking for myself, working out how things work around the house.

“I’m not that bad but I actually know nothing about just getting an idea of how it is to live by myself.

“So that’s going to take a few weeks and if I’m good if I’m going in and out, it could disrupt things.”