Mark Nawaqanitawase breaks silence on Test allegiance speculation

Cross-code star Mark Nawaqanitawase has posted a story on his Instagram account acknowledging the growing speculation about his future in Test rugby.

The 26-year-old ended a sensational two-year NRL stint with the Roosters earlier this month with a masterful Premiership final performance that earned his team the Provan–Summons Trophy.

However, before Wallabies fans could get too excited about his potential return for next year’s home Rugby World Cup, Nawaqanitawase’s agent revealed that he is yet to commit to any international team. The star of the 2023 Rugby World Cup and 2024 Olympics is also eligible to play for both Italy and Fiji, and he has now revealed that he is not rushing his decision on which part of his heritage he wants to represent.

“I just thought I would jump on here as there has been a lot of speculation on my future,” a story on his Instagram read.

“My only focus right now is moving to Japan in a couple of weeks and connecting with my new team at Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights. I will weigh up my options and make a decision next year on my international future. Love, Marky.”

Nawaqanitawase had already ruled himself out of the November block of Nations Championship Tests, and this latest comment confirms that his timeline includes a decision on his Test allegiance, as well as his availability.

There remains plenty of confidence within the Australian camp that Nawaqanitawase’s future remains in Wallabies gold, with team captain Harry Wilson telling the media on Friday: “I don’t think I have to convince him. I played Junior Wallabies with him, played Wallabies with him, saw him last night supporting the Kangaroos. I think it’s pretty obvious who he wants to play for.”

Wallabies coach Les Kiss was equally confident, saying: “There’s no doubt that he wants to be back in the game for us, that’s for sure. So we’ll continue our conversations and go from there. I’m not going to speak on his behalf, but we know where he wants to play.”