Mark Nawaqanitawase has become one of rugby’s most exciting cross-code stars. The Australian winger made a remarkable impact after switching from rugby union to rugby league. He helped the Sydney Roosters win the 2026 NRL premiership before preparing for another union chapter.
His explosive finishing, aerial ability and unpredictable attacking skills have made him a standout player. Now, he is preparing to join Japan’s Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights. The move also positions him for a potential return to Australia’s rugby union setup ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Beyond the highlights, Nawaqanitawase’s story includes family sacrifices, a multicultural background and an unusual career journey. His mother, Fiona, played an important role in supporting his sporting ambitions. Meanwhile, his father, Sevuloni Nawaqanitawase, helped connect him with his Fijian heritage and rugby roots.
Mark Nawaqanitawase Profile Check
- Full name: Mark Ermanno Dukutoko Nawaqanitawase
- Date of birth: 11 September 2000
- Birthplace: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Nationality: Australian
- Heritage: Fijian and Italian
- Height: Approximately 190–192 cm
- Weight: Approximately 100 kg
- Position: Winger
- Mother: Fiona Tovehi
- Father: Sevuloni Nawaqanitawase
- Siblings: Includes his older brother Albert
Early Life and Age: Growing Up in Sydney
Mark Nawaqanitawase was born in Sydney on 11 September 2000. He grew up in Sydney’s Inner West, where playing sport became part of everyday life.
His parents encouraged him to spend time outdoors and experiment with different sporting skills. He often played with his cousins, helping develop the creativity now visible in his performances.
In an interview with the NRL, Nawaqanitawase credited that freedom with shaping his playing style.
“My upbringing and my childhood are a big reason why I’m able to have some fun out there,” he said.
He initially played rugby league as a junior. His teams included the Concord-Burwood Wolves and Leichhardt Wanderers. However, his sporting direction changed when he attended St Patrick’s College in Strathfield.
From School Rugby to Professional Opportunities
Nawaqanitawase switched to rugby union at around 14. He quickly developed into a promising outside back and represented his school’s first XV.
His height, speed and ability to contest high balls made him an exciting prospect. Coaches also recognised his instinct for producing unexpected attacking plays.
He entered the Sydney rugby pathway through the Gen Blue Academy. In 2019, he earned recognition as the Dave Dennis Elite Youth Development Player of the Year.
That same year, he played for Eastwood in Sydney’s Shute Shield competition. He also represented the NSW Country Eagles and Australia’s under-20 side.
His progress demonstrated that switching codes had not limited his potential. Instead, rugby union gave him a platform to develop his natural athletic ability.
Professional Career: From the Waratahs to the Wallabies
Breaking Through With the NSW Waratahs
Nawaqanitawase made his Super Rugby debut for the NSW Waratahs in February 2020. He entered senior rugby with an exciting combination of pace, height and attacking instinct.
His development continued over the following seasons. He became known for scoring tries, challenging defenders in the air and creating opportunities from difficult positions.
The winger’s breakthrough came in 2022. His performances earned him selection for the Wallabies, Australia’s national rugby union team.
International Rugby and the Wallabies
Nawaqanitawase made his Wallabies debut against Italy during Australia’s 2022 spring tour. His rise continued in 2023, when he became part of Australia’s Rugby World Cup squad.
Although the Wallabies endured a disappointing tournament, Nawaqanitawase gained valuable experience on rugby’s biggest international stage.
He also played rugby sevens for Australia at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. That experience added another dimension to his international career.
However, a major decision was approaching. Nawaqanitawase chose to leave rugby union and test himself in the NRL.
The Sydney Roosters Move That Changed His Career
Nawaqanitawase joined the Sydney Roosters ahead of the 2025 NRL season. The move followed his appearance at the Paris Olympics and represented a significant change.
He had played rugby league as a child. Therefore, his return offered an opportunity to rediscover the thirteen-a-side game at the highest level.
The winger made his NRL debut against the South Sydney Rabbitohs in September 2024. He scored on debut, immediately demonstrating his ability to make an impact.
His first full NRL season brought even greater attention. Nawaqanitawase finished as the league’s leading try-scorer in 2025, crossing for 24 tries.
His spectacular finishing quickly made him a fan favourite. One remarkable try against Canterbury attracted widespread attention online.
He also represented New South Wales in the State of Origin. That achievement confirmed his rapid rise in Australian rugby league.
A Remarkable 2026 Premiership Campaign
Nawaqanitawase continued producing outstanding performances during his second NRL season. His athleticism and attacking instincts made him a constant threat to opposing defences.
The Roosters reached the 2026 NRL grand final against the Newcastle Knights. Nawaqanitawase delivered a memorable performance, scoring two tries in the 19–18 victory.
The premiership gave him a fitting conclusion to his rugby league chapter. He finished his NRL career with 47 tries in 47 appearances, according to contemporary reporting.
His brief league career nevertheless produced an extraordinary record. He established himself as one of the competition’s most dangerous finishers.
Why Mark Nawaqanitawase Is Returning to Rugby Union
Nawaqanitawase’s departure from the NRL is closely connected to his ambitions in international rugby. Australia will host the 2027 Rugby World Cup, creating a major opportunity for the winger.
He has chosen to return to the union after two productive seasons in rugby league. However, his next destination is Japan rather than an immediate return to an Australian Super Rugby club.
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The Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights confirmed his signing for the 2026–27 season. The Japanese club provides a new environment for him to continue developing his union game.
His NRL experience could prove valuable when he returns to fifteen-a-side rugby. He has become stronger through contact and gained experience against elite defensive systems.
Nevertheless, the transition will require adjustment. Rugby union involves different defensive structures, breakdown responsibilities and tactical demands.
His ability to contest high balls and finish scoring chances should remain among his key strengths. He will also need to adapt his positioning and decision-making to the union’s wider tactical demands.
The 2027 World Cup remains a major target. His performances in Japan could help strengthen his case for selection to the Wallabies.
Family and Ethnicity: Who Are Mark Nawaqanitawase’s Parents?
Family has been a significant source of encouragement throughout Nawaqanitawase’s sporting journey. His parents are Fiona Tovehi and Sevuloni Nawaqanitawase.
His background reflects Australian, Fijian and Italian connections, while his father, Sevuloni, is Fijian, while Mark was born and raised in Australia.
His family has supported him through different stages of his career. That support has included attending matches, celebrating achievements and encouraging him away from the field.
Meet His Mother, Fiona Tovehi
Fiona Tovehi has spoken publicly about the sacrifices involved in supporting her children’s sporting ambitions. She works as a Fiji Airways station manager in Sydney.
Her account offers a personal perspective on Nawaqanitawase’s rise. Before professional contracts and packed stadiums, the family had to manage ordinary financial pressures.
In September 2026, Fiona recalled how she bought football boots for her children one paycheck at a time.
“I couldn’t buy the children all in one go; I would have to tell them each paycheck, then I’d buy, you know, their footy boots. So, the children were always very good, like, never demanding on that, but yeah, that I’d have to say, I would have to space it out with the purchases”
Her words highlight the practical sacrifices behind a professional sporting career. They also show how much careful planning went into meeting the children’s needs.
Fiona has continued supporting Mark as his career has progressed. She attended celebrations and major occasions, including his awards night in October 2025.
Her presence reflects a relationship that extends beyond rugby results. She has remained part of the support system behind his achievements.
His Father, Sevuloni Nawaqanitawase
Sevuloni Nawaqanitawase is Mark’s father and an important connection to his Fijian heritage. He moved to Sydney in 1991 to pursue rugby league opportunities with Balmain.
That sporting background meant rugby was familiar within the family. Mark grew up with exposure to both rugby league and rugby union.
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His eventual success in both codes reflects that early connection. He has represented Australia internationally while remaining connected to his family’s Pacific Island roots.
Does Mark Nawaqanitawase Have Siblings?
Yes, Nawaqanitawase has siblings and comes from a large, blended family. His older brother, Albert Nawaqanitawase, has also played rugby.
Albert has played as a number eight for West Harbour Pirates in Sydney. Their shared interest in rugby provides another connection between the brothers.
Reports have also described Mark as having a sister and several step-siblings. His wider family includes cousins who played with him during childhood.
Those relationships helped shape his love of sport. His parents encouraged the children to spend time outdoors, where informal games developed their skills and confidence.
The family’s support has continued into his professional career. Relatives have attended major matches and shared in his milestones.
Who Is Mark Nawaqanitawase’s Partner? Does He Have Children?
Nawaqanitawase keeps much of his personal life away from the public spotlight. There is no reliably confirmed public information establishing a current partner or wife. Likewise, no credible public confirmation identifies any children.
What Comes Next for Mark Nawaqanitawase?
Nawaqanitawase has already achieved something few players manage. He has become an international rugby union player and an NRL premiership winner.
His move to Japan creates another opportunity to strengthen his union credentials. It also puts him in a position to be selected for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
His athletic ability and experience in both codes give him a distinctive profile. Yet his next challenge will be translating his NRL success back into rugby union.
Behind that journey stands a family that supported him before fame arrived. Fiona’s story about buying boots one paycheck at a time remains a powerful reminder of those beginnings.
For Nawaqanitawase, the next chapter is about more than changing codes again. It is an opportunity to turn his league achievements into a new international rugby legacy.