Rugby cross-code star Mark Nawaqanitawase is set to embark on a new chapter in his career as he joins the Saitama Wild Knights in Japan later this year. Nawaqanitawase, who has spent the last four years playing with the Sydney Roosters in the NRL, expressed his excitement about joining a club known for its strong performance and illustrious history.
In an official statement, Nawaqanitawase acknowledged the Wild Knights as a formidable team that boasts a successful track record. He remarked, “They are a very strong team that has experienced a lot of success and it is a club which carries a rich history. I am looking forward to becoming part of the Wild Knights and I am looking forward to what we can build together in the future.”
While the duration of his contract has not been made public, Australian media sources report that Nawaqanitawase has signed a lucrative two-year deal with the Wild Knights. Notably, he will continue to represent the Roosters throughout the entire 2026 NRL season. His commitment to the Roosters is evident, as he aims to help secure a premiership title before transitioning to rugby union. “I want to walk out of here with a premiership with the lads,” he told CODE Sports.
At the Saitama Wild Knights, Nawaqanitawase will join forces with notable teammates, including former Australian Wallabies and Fiji-born winger Marika Koroibete. The Wild Knights, established in 1960 by students and workers of the former Japanese electronics manufacturer Sanyo, is situated in Kumagaya, Saitama Prefecture, and is recognized as one of Japan’s premier rugby union teams.
Nawaqanitawase’s move marks a significant step in his career, blending his background in rugby league with the opportunities in the rugby union arena, and fans are eager to see what this new adventure will bring for the talented athlete.