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Mark Nawaqanitawase swaps the Roosters for a two-year deal in Japan

4 Nov 2026 · Life Abroad

Mark Nawaqanitawase went from a grand final to a plane. The 26-year-old scored two tries in the Sydney Roosters' 19-18 win over Newcastle in the NRL grand final on 4 October. He has now arrived in Japan to join the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights, according to RugbyJP.

The Sydney-born winger played 11 Tests for the Wallabies in 2022 and 2023 before moving to rugby league. The Wild Knights confirmed his signing for the 2026-27 season earlier this year. His contract runs for two years, to June 2028, and he replaces fellow Australian Marika Koroibete, who has moved to the Ospreys in Wales.

Before leaving he said on Instagram: "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." On his international future he said he would "weigh up my options and make a decision next year."

His League One debut is scheduled for 12 December at home against Urayasu D-Rocks in Kumagaya. The Sydney Morning Herald reports the deal at $1.5 million a season. The club has not published terms, and no report says what currency he is paid in.

What it means for the move

A two-year deal is a different kind of move to a short stint. It usually means a lease, a household set-up and, for many players, a partner who also has to find a way to work, study or settle.

Playing in Japan also changes how national team selection works. Releases for Tests happen in set international windows, so a player based abroad plans travel, time away from family and time away from the club around them.

On money, the reported figure is quoted in dollars by an Australian outlet. If the pay lands in a different currency from the one the headline number is quoted in, what it is worth at home moves with the exchange rate. SportsFX, the currency partner behind The Overseas Athlete, helps with the currency side.

Sources