Mark Nawaqanitawase reveals ‘uncomfortable’ chat with Nick Politis where he quit rugby league

It was the coffee meet-up between Mark Nawaqanitawase and billionaire Roosters chairman Nick Politis that confirmed the news the club was fearing. ‘Marky Mark’ reveals why he’s quitting league, his Kangaroo Tour aspirations and more.

**EMBARGO hold Friday for Saturday September 13, 2025** speak to dt pic desk ** Sydney Roosters star Mark Nawaqanitawase. Picture: Grant Trouville / NRL Photos

Mark Nawaqanitawase nervously shuffled into a Rushcutters Bay coffee shop two weeks ago to break the news that Roosters chairman Nick Politis didn’t want to hear.

That he had a dream to play in a Rugby World Cup

“To say I was nervous is an understatement,” he said.

“But I explained I’ve got 12 months to go, I love the players and the coaches and I want to do everything I can in that time to help or contribute to winning a premiership. That I’m still so committed.”

Nawaqanitawase or ‘Marky Mark’ also revealed why he’s quitting rugby league, the timing of his announcement and his hopes of still making the Kangaroo Tour.

Mark Nawaqanitawase will quit rugby league to pursue his dream of playing in the Rugby World Cup. Picture: Richard Dobson

TELLING NICK POLITIS

Two weeks ago Nawaqanitawase met the billionaire Roosters chairman at a Rushcutters Bay cafe.

“Oh mate, to say I was nervous is an understatement,” he said. “I don’t like to let people down.

“I knew the decision, while they wouldn’t hate me, might disappoint them.

“It actually hurts to have to make big decisions like this one when you are so closely attached to a footy club. It was uncomfortable.

“Rugby league and Roosters have really grown on me. I actually love it. I’m happy and confident where I am. And Nick and Trent care for and just love their players.”

Mark Nawaqanitawase was nervous breaking the news to Nick Politis. Picture: Thomas Lisson

THE TIMING

“I wanted to be upfront and honest with them. I need to tell them as early as I could what my intentions were,” he said, “even if it affects my chances of playing for the Kangaroos.

“The Roosters have an agenda and need to plan for the next few years. I want to help make sure they can put themselves in the best possible position with their roster management and salary cap.

“If you wait and wait and do it at the last minute it can ruin relationships.

“I owed it to them to be upfront.”

KANGAROO TOUR

Nawaqanitawase is desperate to make the trip to England.

That he handled his exit plans with so much more class than how Joseph Sua’ali’i and his manager Isaac Moses backdoored the Roosters will work in his favour.

He’s got the form on the board (24 tries – the most in the NRL) if selectors ignore the fact he’s switching codes.

“I’m very lucky to have represented the Wallabies already,” he said, “Any time you can represent your country is so special. I was lucky enough to go to the Paris Olympics.

“To play for the Kangaroos would mean so much to myself and my family.

“I haven’t heard anything but I’m still training and if I do get a call up I’ll be ready to go.”

THE MONEY

“It wasn’t on top of my list,” he said, “I’ll be honest about that.

“It was more about the event (the home Rugby World Cup).

“Money was a factor, yes, but without saying this in a non-cocky way, I’d had offers or opportunities where I’d still be well looked after.

“It was more about what I want to do with my life and my goals.”

I asked Nawaqanitawase if the move was permanent.

He needs to speak carefully here and not look like he’s only switching codes temporarily for the World Cup.

“Nothing is permanent,” he said, “I’m still in the process of looking at rugby opportunities.

“To be honest, I don’t even want to think beyond next year and playing for the Roosters.”

Mark Nawaqanitawase has become a human highlight reel in the NRL. Picture: Michael Klein

UNION V LEAGUE

There was a previous interview on ABC Pacific Radio in which Nawaqanitawase indicated he was keen for rugby union because there was less structure in the game.

That he could roam more to chase the football.

“You’ve got to look at the context,” he said, “They asked me what I love about both games.

“The freedom side of union … yes, I said that.

“But I also said you don’t get the ball as much in union.

“In league you’re constantly involved. Up to 20 carries a game. The ball is in play much longer.

“I like both games, simple as that.”

POSITIONAL SWITCH

With James Tedesco edging closer to retirement, I ask Nawaqanitawase if it was a goal to play fullback one day at the Roosters, maybe in 2028 after the World Cup.

He could obviously inject himself into the game more often.

“Yes, that would appeal to me,” he said.

“I’m open to anything but again, I’m just worried about next year doing the very best I can for the Roosters. That’s so far away. And another thing – you’ve got no idea of the talent that’s coming through at the Roosters the academy and upwards. If I do come back, they’ll be hard to get past.”