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Marky Mark has set the NRL alight. But he’ll still have to earn Wallabies spot

Wallabies coach Les Kiss says the high praise for Mark Nawaqanitawase’s league stint is justified, but there are no selection guarantees when he returns to rugby next month.

Published: Thursday, 1 October 2026 at 6:00 AM
Marky Mark has set the NRL alight. But he’ll still have to earn Wallabies spot
Key Things to Know
  • Les Kiss insisted Mark Nawaqanitawase and Angus Crichton must earn their Wallabies spots upon returning from the NRL.
  • Nawaqanitawase scored 45 tries in 46 NRL games for the Sydney Roosters before heading to Japanese rugby.
  • Wallabies center Hunter Paisami received a four-game suspension for a high tackle against South Africa.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Wallabies coach Les Kiss stated that returning NRL stars Mark Nawaqanitawase and Angus Crichton will have to earn their spots in Australia's 2027 Rugby World Cup squad. Both players are finishing their rugby league stints with the Roosters in Sunday's grand final before returning to rugby union. Despite Nawaqanitawase's prolific form in the NRL, Kiss stressed that there are no guarantees for any player returning to the national fold.

Kiss also addressed the four-match suspension handed to center Hunter Paisami for a high tackle against South Africa, calling the ban harsh. The Wallabies are preparing for the upcoming Bledisloe Cup clash against New Zealand at Eden Park, dealing with further injury concerns surrounding Len Ikitau and Josh Canham.

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