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Despite being the NRL season’s top try scorer in 2025, netting himself 24 tries for the Tricolours, a mid-season NRL rule change denied the former Wallabies winger the chance to be the Dally M rookie of the year.
Before the change, a player who featured in five NRL first-grade matches in a season would be ineligible for the rookie of the year in any subsequent seasons.
But amid an influx of rugby converts, the NRL changed the rule to make it so a player must have played less than five professional matches in any sporting code.
Nawaqanitawase played 11 times for the Wallabies between 2022 and 2024 and represented the Australian sevens team at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
That made the 24-year-old inegligible for the official NRL award, but he was voted by the players as the rookie of the year ahead of his Roosters wing partner Robert Toia.
“On behalf of the RLPA I would like to congratulate Mark Nawaqanitawase on being voted by the players as their rookie of the year for 2025,” RLPA chief executive Clint Newton said.
“Mark has had a fantastic season and there is no higher recognition than that of the players you compete against week in, week out. Mark’s transition from rugby union to our game has been nothing short of impressive and was arguably one of the competition’s best across the regular season, let alone rookie.
“To do what Mark has done to transition from one code to another with ease and skill was extraordinary, and our members have recognised his superior performances. In many ways, Mark has set a new standard for wingers and has no doubt inspired children across the world to play with similar flair, creativity and invention.
“I also want to congratulate all the rookies and debutants from the 2025 NRL season, including the four other finalists Leka (Halasima), Isaiah (Iongi), Savelio (Tamale), and Robert. All have shown great commitment to their jobs, demonstrated their rugby league and athletic abilities as well as the courage and stamina to compete against seasoned veterans.”
It might not be the end of the honours for Nawaqanitawase who is also in line for Kangaroos selection for the tour of England.
