Sydney Roosters need record deal to keep Mark Nawaqanitawase; rugby offers

The Roosters will have to make Mark Nawaqanitawase the richest winger in the rugby league world if they hope to keep him on their books.

The man affectionately known as ’Marky Mark’ comes off contract at the end of 2026 and can talk to rival clubs from November 1.

Rugby union is known to be prepared to throw big dollars to get him back in their ranks, while several rival NRL clubs are certain to show interest.

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Nawaqanitawase is currently on a deal of around $500,000 a season, with his management believed to be looking for an upgrade to $700,000 following his stunning achievements this year.

In his first full year of league, Nawaqanitawase has scored and created some amazing tries and is the top tryscorer in the NRL with one round of the regular season to play.

The highest paid wingers in the game are currently Parramatta’s Zac Lomax and the Warriors’ Roger Tuivasa-Sheck – both on around $650,000.

The Roosters are desperate to keep the 24-year-old in their ranks after losing two world class centres, Joey Manu and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, to rugby union in the past 12 months.

But what they have to weigh up is whether it is worth paying an unprecedented $700,000 for a winger.

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Most wingers command less than half that figure on the open market – but ’Marky Mark’ has shown this year that he is something special.

His four tries against the Storm last weekend in Melbourne – a feat no visiting player has achieved since the Storm were founded in 1997 – showcased his skills and class.

However, giving a winger $700,000 could affect the balance of their salary cap and result in them losing players in other positions.

HEADS ROLL AT DRAGONS

The changes continue at the Dragons, with the club’s chief operating officer and chief financial officer Mark Sawicki moving on.

And he’s not the only one, with several more changes in the club’s administrative staff coming, as new CEO Tim Watsford looks to bring in some new blood.

This follows the departure of Shane Flanagan’s assistant coach Ryan Carr to English club Castleford.

Stand by for more movements – players, coaches and staff after the club’s disappointing season in 2025.

SOUTHS FUME OVER ROOSTERS MOVE

The feud between the Roosters and Rabbits is reaching fever pitch before a ball is kicked in Friday night’s vital game between the teams at Allianz Stadium.

The Bunnies have signed one of the NRL’s most promising young halves, Isaac Fotu-Moala, from the Roosters.

The Roosters have been quick to fire back, snapping up the Souths Harold Matthews captain, Keone Anitelea-Tsioussis.

Then Souths slammed the Roosters an email to the NSW Rugby League earlier this week complaining about the way their rivals set up a junior academy in Souths territory.

”The Roosters are intent on cannibalising an adjoining junior league or pathways program,” chief executive Blake Solly wrote.

”There is no good faith, and their use of the facilities at Matraville Sports and Randwick High School does not align with the spirit and intent of the rules in place.”

Stand by for fireworks come 8pm on Friday night as Souths aim to knock the Roosters out of the finals.

FORMER ORIGIN STAR RETURNS HOME

Former Bulldogs, Tigers and Dragons utility Moses Mbye is returning to Oz after three years with St Helens in Super League.

Now 32, Mbye has signed with the Ipswich Jets in the Queensland Cup for next season – but his NRL days may not be over.

The Jets are a feeder club for the Titans and Des Hasler was keen to get Mbye, still only 32, on board before he was shown the door.

Mbye, who will also work for the Jets in pathways development, is sitting on 197 NRL matches and would love the chance to bring up the double ton with the Titans in 2026.