NRL future uncertain, but NSW’s Nawaqanitawase buzzing

Jasper Bruce | July 9, 2026

If the 2026 decider was Mark Nawaqanitawase’s last State of Origin match, he’ll be content to form part of history and catch his NSW teammates at the 20-year reunion.

Even Nawaqanitawase, one of the NRL’s most humble characters, was on a high after the Blues’ 30-12 upset win that brought the shield back to NSW.

“I’m f***ing stoked, hey, excuse my language,” he told AAP after Wednesday night’s decider.

The Origin series win is yet another string in the bow for the code hopper, who joined the Sydney Roosters weeks after playing Olympic rugby sevens for Australia in 2024.

The 11-time Wallaby and three-time Kangaroo will continue his globe-trotting career with a lucrative move to Japanese rugby union later this year.

“I’ve been a part of amazing things,” Nawaqanitawase said.

“I have to add this to it as well. I can’t compare because they’ve all been great in their own way.

“I’m an Origin champion now, no one can take that away from me.”

Nawaqanitawase has always said he would be open to an NRL return once his deal with Saitama Wild Knights expires in 2028.

But there remains a chance that 2026 is the winger’s last year playing rugby league.

Short of a premiership with the third-placed Roosters, winning a game-three decider in Brisbane may well finish as the zenith of his time in the 13-man code.

“Right now … I don’t know if this is my last one or not,” Nawaqanitawase said.

“I just want to enjoy it for what it is right now in the moment.”

Injured for the series opener, Nawaqanitawase was not even named in NSW’s initial squad for Origin II.

But Stephen Crichton’s withdrawal through injury and Casey McLean’s mid-camp quad strain cleared the way for his whirlwind debut at the MCG.

Nawaqanitawase finished among the best of a beaten bunch with two tries in Origin II, holding his spot and throwing the last pass for Nathan Cleary’s second try in the decider.

Peppered with questions about his future all year, Nawaqanitawase was just happy to have been on the same team as Cleary and co. as the Origin win began to sink in.

“I’m on (Cleary’s) team – that’s, that’s cool. It’s honestly unreal,” Nawaqanitawase said.

“I get to be there at the reunion with everyone in 20 years. I’m already looking forward to it, but I shouldn’t look too far ahead.”