Mark Nawaqanitawase has added a State of Origin series victory to one of the most eclectic and impressive CVs in Australian sport.
The 25-year-old has represented Australia at an Olympics, a Rugby World Cup, a Kangaroos tour and a Commonwealth Games within four years.
But the vision of Nawaqanitawase latching onto Nathan Cleary in the Blues sheds, hugging the star halfback – as well as Liam Martin – and bouncing up and down with unbridled joy after NSW’s 30-12 victory at Suncorp Stadium, revealed just how much his latest achievement meant.
“It’s up there with them all,” Nawaqanitawase said, sporting a Blues ‘2026 Champions’ T-shirt in the jubilant NSW dressing room on Wednesday evening.
“I’ve been a part of a lot of good things and I’m just grateful to be here and just trying to enjoy it.
“Origin champions? Far out, man.”
The scenes in Brisbane were a world away from those in Lyon at the end of 2023, when the Wallabies crashed out in the pool stages of the Rugby World Cup in France. Nawaqanitawase and his teammates were left searching for answers after a humiliating 40-6 defeat by Wales, one of the darkest nights in Australian rugby history.
That disappointment was one of the factors that prompted a disillusioned Nawaqanitawase to switch codes. Eager to satisfy a rugby league itch that had lingered for years, he walked away from the game in which he had emerged as one of Australia’s brightest talents, drawing comparisons with Israel Folau.
He completed the 2024 season with the Waratahs, represented Australia in rugby sevens at the Paris Olympics, then joined the Roosters, where he quickly established himself as one of the NRL’s most dangerous outside backs, topping the competition’s try-scorers list in his debut season in 2025.
Nawaqanitawase will return to rugby next year with a club stint in Japan before what shapes as a likely tilt at the 2027 Rugby World Cup with the Wallabies.
From missing out on the initial Origin squad to receiving a late call-up for game two while watching a movie on the couch, Nawaqanitawase has enjoyed a whirlwind introduction to State of Origin. He scored two tries on debut in Melbourne before backing it up with another influential performance in Wednesday night’s series-clinching win.
As Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii continues to battle with the weight of expectation attached to his lucrative move back to rugby, Nawaqanitawase has flourished.
Queensland repeatedly tested him with high kicks on Wednesday night, but he again showed why NSW coach Laurie Daley showed faith in him.
“It’s been one of the best decisions of my life, coming over here, trying something different and being part of a great team at the Roosters with great people. This tonight is just a bonus,” Nawaqanitawase said.
“The most satisfying thing is that all of us here – players, coaches and staff – they can’t take this away from us. It’s going to be there forever now. A lot of people were against us and we get to hold on to this forever.”
A premiership with the Roosters would be the perfect farewell before Nawaqanitawase heads back to rugby, although the way Cleary and Penrith are humming, they may prove his greatest obstacle.
Nawaqanitawase threw the final pass for Cleary’s second try, another reminder of his composure with the ball in hand. The winger can occasionally be guilty of trying to force the miracle play, but few players possess his ability to create or finish a try.
“He just continues to show how classy he is,” said Nawaqanitawase of Cleary. “I know he’s had a lot of people against him but he went out there and he made a number of big plays for us. It’s an honour to play alongside him.”
Cleary has conquered almost every challenge rugby league can offer. Perhaps one day he’ll be tempted to scratch a rugby itch.
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Tom Decent is the chief sports writer for The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via X or email.
