Kiss puts onus on Nawaqanitawase to prove himself for World Cup
The winger is returning to union in Japan, while his agent has raised Italy and Fiji as possible international options.
Mark Nawaqanitawase will need to demonstrate his form back in rugby union to secure a Wallabies place for the 2027 World Cup, Australia coach Les Kiss says.
Kiss said the 26-year-old remained a contender after two years in rugby league, but selectors were focused on the players already available. Speaking before the Sydney Bledisloe Cup clash with New Zealand, he said his conversations with Nawaqanitawase had been positive.
The coach identified attacking movement, defensive play and aerial contests as areas where Nawaqanitawase would have to readjust, although he expected that process to be quick. Kiss said the winger needed rest, having gone three weeks without training, before returning to union in Japan.
Nawaqanitawase is joining Saitama Wild Knights, coached by former Wallabies boss Robbie Deans. He scored 49 tries in 49 NRL games, with two coming in the Sydney Roosters’ 19-18 grand final victory over Newcastle.
His agent has also raised the possibility of representing Italy or Fiji at the World Cup. From August 2027, World Rugby rules allow him to qualify for Italy through his grandmother or for Fiji through his father. A change of allegiance would rule out any later return to Australia.
