The Sydney Roosters are set to make a shock play for Wallabies winger Mark Nawaqanitawase to join the 13-man game from rugby union as the code war rolls on.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported Roosters boss Trent Robinson will meet with Nawaqanitawase next week in a potential revenge mission for Joseph Suaalii defecting to rugby.
Nawaqanitawase was one of the Wallabies’ best and brightest stars over the last two seasons and was a starter in their failed 2023 World Cup campaign.
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The Roosters are well stocked with outside backs in 2024 with former Knights star Dom Young joining the club.
The Roosters already have Daniel Tupou and Junior Pauga on their books for 2024, but the former is tipped to move on, while Suaalii will switch to rugby after next season.
Nawaqanitawase, 23, has scored 27 tries in 45 games for the Waratahs and five tries in 11 Tests for Australia since making his debut in 2022.
Nawaqanitawase’s potential defection would be a massive blow for rugby union who are trying to bounce back from a horror season under now departed Wallabies coach Eddie Jones.
Nawaqanitawase would likely play wing while he learns the sport, but could be an option at fullback down the line when James Tedesco hangs up the boots.
DRAGONS TABLE OFFER TO SICK STAR
The Dragons have reportedly tabled a contract extension to star fullback Cody Ramsey despite no guarantees he will ever play another game of rugby league.
That is according to the SMH, who are reporting Red V powerbrokers are negotiating to extend his current contract, hoping to give him time to recover from his illness.
His extension will reportedly see him remain at the Dragons until the end of 2025, with his current contract expiring at the end of the 2024 season.
His salary is set to be paid by the club itself in a selfless gesture, with the remaining funds he is owed on his current contract reportedly set to be split and paid over the next two seasons.
Dragons powerbrokers have reportedly been in regular conversations with NRL salary cap auditors and have been negotiating how to continue their support for Ramsey.
His new contract will see him drop out of the 30, allowing Shane Flanagan to make another signing.
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However, if he does recover and is fit to take the field, the club will have to make a top 30 spot available to upgrade him to a playing deal.
Ramsey has been sidelined with an inflammatory bowel condition called ulcerative colitis and missed the entire 2023 season battling with the illness.
The 23-year-old fell ill around Christmas 2022 and has since had more than 10 surgeries, keeping him off the field after becoming the club’s No.1 fullback.
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