Wallabies captain Harry Wilson believes he doesn’t need to convince Mark Nawaqanitawase to play for Australia, despite doubts about his international allegiance.
The 26-year-old code-hopper has officially defected back to rugby union after a hugely successful stint in league, signing with Japanese club, the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights.
During his spell in the 13-a-side game, he represented the Australian rugby league national team and played for the NSW Blues in State of Origin. He also scored twice in the Sydney Roosters’ Grand Final victory over the Newcastle Knights.
Before switching to league, Nawaqanitawase played 11 times for the Wallabies and represented Australia at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, and while a return to the gold jersey looks to be on the cards, his agent stated earlier this week that the winger is weighing up a possible switch of international allegiance.
The speedster is eligible to switch to both Fiji and Italy after serving the three-year stand-down period as per World Rugby regulations.
Harry Wilson unfazed by Fiji’s interest in Mark Nawaqanitawase
Nawaqanitawase’s agent’s statement has now pricked the ears of Fijian Rugby Union chief executive Koli Sewabu, who admits they are now following the situation with interest.
“We are aware of the potential switch Mark could make at the next World Cup and follow this with interest,” CEO Sewabu said.
“Mark is an outstanding player, and there would be genuine interest from Fiji Rugby. Ultimately, it’s up to Mark what jersey he wears, but let’s be honest, white might really look good on him on a nice spring day in Newcastle.”
Italy have yet to comment on the winger’s interest, but Wallabies skipper Harry Wilson is not fazed about the situation and expects his former U20s teammate to simply pick Australia.
“I don’t think I have to convince him. I played Junior Wallabies with him, played Wallabies with him, and saw him last night supporting the Kangaroos,” he told reporters ahead of the second Bledisloe Cup Test match against the All Blacks.
“So, I think it’s pretty obvious who he wants to play for.”
Wilson’s hard stance on the debate was in contrast to head coach Les Kiss, who was far more coy when he was asked about Nawaqanitawase’s situation.
“We’ve had a couple of chats and, as I’ve said, I’ll wait until the end of the year to see where he sits. He’s had a big year, a fantastic year, hasn’t he? The conversations have been about making sure we do what’s right for him,” he said.
“He’s had a big year, and he’s been out of rugby for a little while now. He’s keen to be involved at the right time, and that means getting back into rugby (union) and understanding the game a bit better. At this stage, we support him in what he does. He’s part of rugby again now, and we’re happy to continue the conversations and keep him on board.”
Best number eight in the world?
Meanwhile, Wilson has earned huge praise from across the Tasman for his performances of late, even in the defeat at Eden Park in the opening Bledisloe Cup Test match.
Former All Blacks scrum-half Justin Marshall dubbed him as the ‘best number eight in the world right now’, with Kieran Read also singing his praises.
Commenting on that praise, Wilson said: “Yeah, I’m happy where I’m at. I feel as if I’m doing my job in the team, which I guess is what I’m here to do, and I just want to keep trying to perform well personally because I know it’s going to help our team get the results.”
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Australia head into the second Test against New Zealand having lost the last 12 meetings between the two sides. Current All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie was the man in charge of the Wallabies the last time Australia tasted victory over New Zealand back in 2020 at Lang Park.
The two nations will collide at the Accor Stadium in Sydney again on 9 October next year in their first-ever pool stage meeting at a Rugby World Cup.