England beware – the Australia try magician who swapped union for league

If it hadn’t been such a historic moment, especially given the revival of the Rugby League Ashes, that there might have been more fanfare surrounding Australia’s dual-code international winger Mark Nawaqanitawase’s Test debut.

The 25-year-old, who was born in Sydney’s inner-west, became the first union-to-league switcher to play for the Kangaroos since Scott Gourley in 1991 when he left Wembley.

After last Saturday’s opening Test victory in London, Nawaqanitawase’s absence may benefit Australia.

England is now fully aware of Reece Walsh’s, Cameron Munster’s, and Harry Grant’s menace.

Nawaqanitawase remained largely a supporting cast member as opposed to a leading light, which kept the Kangaroos’ powder dry.

But he has taken it all in stride since joining Concord-Burwood Wolves and Leichardt Wanderers, where he once played as a boy.

He has arguably already surpassed those who emulated him, such as fellow winger Peter Jorgensen and back-rower Gourley, both of whom were former Wallabies who shared experiences with the Roosters in the Eastern Suburbs.

His 2025 record included 24 tries in 23 games, with the exception of a one-game cameo on his first-grade rugby league debut in 2024.

He was honored with the NRL Rookie of the Year award at the 2025 Dally Ms, an Oscars-style celebration of brilliance in Australian rugby league, as a fitting reward for the smooth transition from the 13-man code.

Nawaqanitawase is strong, athletic, and strong, but still manages to score tries that seem impossible with his 6 foot 2 inch frame and strong, balletic grace.

In May, give the impressive Bulldogs his first try of the season.

Firstly, he used his strength to fend off a Matt Burton tackle, found himself straddling the touchline like a tightrope, and managed to dangling with his other foot while keeping the other foot dangling, followed by tracking, clutching, and grounded in the smallest of gaps.

Union and League sports have nuanced differences, despite the ball having largely the same shape and the posts being similar. It would take some time to adjust.

He has worked diligently to fix some early-season defensive issues, including the test under the high ball, since then.

However, the core skills are unaffected, and the finishing is where the former Wallaby has the greatest chance of devastation.

He can launch himself into touch down in keeping with the spectacular finishes made by league’s acrobatic wingers, and he can haul his frame high to collect precise kicks from Munster and Nathan Cleary.

In their first Test defeat, England showed signs of the threat, as his rapid burst from a Walsh cut-out ball gave Australia a crucial opening try.

Jake Wardle had to be on top of his game as he scurried away in search of a star-studded Australia side and ran out of options for a scoresheet late in the match.

He quickly found humor in himself, especially when he showed up with his old Union Wallabies luggage at the airport for the trip to England. A resourceful person, without a doubt.

Nawaqanitawase, who is of Fijian and Italian descent, impressed his head coach Kevin Walters with his stature and played a significant part in the team’s hard yards, literally speaking.

Walsh, the only man of the match, ran for more yards (236 to Nawaqanitawase’s 216), demonstrating how brilliantly the code-convert has developed in response to the yardage demands of the contemporary winger.

Before this series, Australia coach Walters asserted that the player’s availability for the 2026 World Cup was not a factor. Nawaqanitawase will return to the union after the NRL’s campaign in 2026 in order to prepare for the World Cup in 2027, and he has done it faithfully.

Nawaqanitawase’s involvement now outweighs his potential exit, especially given that the Chooks star has teased a future league return.

With these international opportunities a plus, he wants to enjoy his stay while it lasts.

After the game, he declared to reporters in the bowels of Wembley, “I’m living the dream.” It’s a “cry for yourself” moment. I’m still in shock that it’s gone so quickly. I just had to enjoy it because I’m fortunate to be here.