Rugby star granted release to switch codes

The Roosters have confirmed that rugby union star Mark Nawaqanitawase has been granted a release from his contract and will be eligible to join the Tricolours once his rugby sevens duties are finished at the Olympics.

Nawaqanitawase signed a two-year deal last December to join the Roosters in 2025, but after being left out of the Wallabies squad for this month’s Tests, there has been a push for him to speed up the process so he can spend some time in rugby league this season.

Rugby star granted release to switch codes

That was confirmed on Tuesday with the club announcing that he’s taken the final spot in their top-30 roster, but Roosters fans shouldn’t expect him to be rushed into the NRL this season.

Roosters coach Trent Robinson stressed on Sunday night that his star recruit would need plenty of time to get used to the new sport, with Nawaqanitawase likely to spend time in NSW Cup where the Roosters are second last.

He doubled down on that in a statement, with the former Wallaby to spend plenty of time learning the finer details of what it takes to make it in rugby league.

The Roosters have some incredibly talented players for him to learn off, with Joseph Manu and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii going the opposite way to rugby union next year.

“While Mark will be taking the final spot in our roster for 2024, our focus won’t be on rushing him into the NRL but about fast-tracking his transition into rugby league,” Robinson said.

“We’re really pleased to be in a position to have Mark join us once his commitments in Paris are over.

“We’re looking forward to officially welcoming Mark to the Roosters next month and we wish him all the very best in his representative duties at the Olympics. Bonne chance (Good luck)!”