Les Kiss is confident Mark Nawaqanitawase will choose the Wallabies over Fiji when he becomes eligible to return to international rugby, despite the winger being unavailable for Australia’s November Nations Championship campaign.
Nawaqanitawase is taking time away from rugby before moving to Japan next month to join Saitama Wild Knights. His future has nevertheless come under scrutiny after one of his agents, Milan Volavola-Shankar, indicated that the 26-year-old could consider representing another country.
The former Wallabies star will qualify for Fiji and Italy in August after completing the mandatory three-year stand-down from international rugby. He was one of Australia’s few bright points during their disappointing 2023 World Cup campaign and is expected to be in contention for next year’s tournament.
“I think there’s no doubt that he wants to be back in the game for us, that’s for sure,” Kiss said in Sydney.
The Australia coach confirmed that Nawaqanitawase would miss the three-Test tour in November, but said the Wallabies had enough alternatives to cope with his absence.
“Yes, that’s no issue,” Kiss said. “For us, we’ve got plenty of good options, and we’re going to focus on those.”
Kiss stopped short of guaranteeing Nawaqanitawase a place at the World Cup, insisting that the winger would have to earn his selection after returning to union from the NRL.
“Everyone will earn their way, but if he’s playing good footy, he’ll be in the mix, that’s for sure,” he said.
“There’s no doubt he’s a quality player that we’ll keep an eye on. We’ll have some opportunities going forward, definitely, and he’ll have some opportunities.”
Nawaqanitawase recently won an NRL premiership with the Sydney Roosters before confirming his move to Japan. Kiss said the player would need to readjust to rugby’s demands, including its aerial contests, defensive structures and movement around the field.
“First and foremost, get his rest, get himself together and get into some rugby back in Japan,” Kiss said. “It won’t take him long, but there’s been some positive dialogue between myself and him.”
Former State of Origin player Zac Lomax has meanwhile been added to Australia A’s 28-man squad for a two-match tour of the United States. He will face the Eagles in Nashville and New Jersey after Tom Lynagh was ruled out with a knee complaint.
Lomax joined Western Force earlier this year and has impressed in the aerial game. Kiss said the tour would provide an opportunity to assess him at the next level after his recent arrival in the Australia set-up.
