Nawaqanitawase set for Kangaroos debut before reported rugby return

Former Wallabies winger Mark Nawaqanitawase will debut for Australia’s rugby league team on Saturday, named in the Kangaroos’ starting side for their Ashes Series opener against England at Wembley Stadium.

Nawaqanitawase is believed to be returning to rugby union after the 2026 NRL season, with the Sydney Morning Herald reporting last month that the code-hopper had informed the Sydney Roosters of his decision to leave.

While that sparked some debate as to whether or not ‘Marky Mark’ should be selected in the Kangaroos squad for the Ashes, coach Kevin Walters later selected the Olympian, who finished the NRL’s regular season as the top try-scorer.

After scoring 24 tries during the round-robin, which included a hat-trick against the Dolphins and a four-try haul against the Melbourne Storm at AAMI Park, Nawaqanitawase was named in the Rugby League Players’ Association Dream Team.

Nawaqanitawase was later selected in the prestigious Dally M Team of the Year, recognised as one of the competition’s best wingers alongside Xavier Coates from the Storm. Roosters teammate James Tedesco became a two-time Dally M Player of the Year after starring at fullback.

Coach Walters has picked Nawaqanitawase on one wing ahead of this weekend’s clash with England, with four debutants included in the matchday 17. Reece Walsh, Gehamat Shibasaki and Keaon Koloamatangi will also wear the Kangaroos jersey for the first time.

“It’s going to be a huge thrill for all four of them to wear the green and gold for the first time in a Test match at such an iconic stadium,” Walters said in a statement.

“I’m excited for them as well as all of our players. Every member of our squad, whether they take the field or not, is about to experience something incredibly special this Saturday at Wembley.

“As I’ve said from day one of our preparations here in England, we’re on this Ashes journey together because it’s going to take a collective effort from everyone involved.”

It’s understood that Nawaqanitawase, who was filmed by Kangaroos teammates taking a Wallabies suitcase on tour for the Ashes, is expected to pursue an opportunity in either French or Japanese club rugby after the 2026 NRL season.

Rugby league personality Phil Gould described Nawaqanitawase’s reported decision to leave the NRL as a “terrible shame” for the sport, as the 25-year-old sets his sights on potentially representing the Wallabies at the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup.

“It’s the same thing with Suaalii,” Gould said on Wide World of Sports’ Six Tackles with Gus.

“That’s a loss. Anyway, that’s the modern world, mate.

“That’s what they’ve bought. They’ve bought a good player but they’ve bought 12 months of publicity now. It’s a good investment. They got 12 months of publicity out of Suaalii before he went – how’s he gone in the rugby? I haven’t seen.

“[It’s a] terrible shame. What a sensation he’s been… what an athlete, what a great player. It’s sad for our game, I would’ve liked to have seen him in our game long-term. Anyway, such is life.”

Kangaroos team to play England at Wembley

1. Reece Walsh, 2. Mark Nawaqanitawase, 3. Kotoni Staggs, 4. Gehamat Shibasaki, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. Patrick Carrigan, 9. Harry Grant, 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 11. Angus Crichton, 12. Hudson Young, 13. Isaah Yeo (c). Replacements: 14. Tom Dearden, 15. Lindsay Collins, 16. Reuben Cotter, 17. Keaon Koloamatangi. Reserves: 18. Bradman Best, 19. Lindsay Smith, 20. Mitchell Moses.