The first priority is the Olympics. Sevens coach John Manenti officially unveiled his squad for Paris at Hubert restaurant in Sydney on Wednesday. Australia has been drawn in pool B, which includes Argentina, Samoa, and Kenya.

A gold medal would provide Nawaqanitawase the perfect farewell to rugby.

“Oh mate, that would be pretty special,” he said. “Special for myself and also my family. It would be absolutely out of this world. It’s such a big event in the world of sports, something you watch growing up. No matter what sport it was, you are watching it.

“I’ve been very lucky to have been put in this side. There have been a lot of boys who have been there the past few years and they have had some success.

“They won the world series about two years ago, they have been building quite nicely. Hopefully I can come in and add something to the team, potentially go out there and win the gold medal.”

Nawaqanitawase followed both footballing codes growing up. The St Patrick’s College Strathfield student initially supported Wests Tigers before sharing his allegiances with the team he will join, the Roosters.

The 23-year-old followed the journey of another rugby-playing Rooster, Sonny Bill Williams, but made special mention of another code-hopper that paved the way for his own transition.

“The big one for me is Israel Folau,” Nawaqanitawase said of the former NRL, Wallabies and AFL star.

“He was probably one of the best cross-coders there is. It’s pretty cool that I will be doing the same thing. There’s a little bit of inspiration.”

Asked if he aspired to become a dual international - albeit in a reverse order to the likes of Lote Tuqiri, Mat Rogers, Wendell Sailor and Sam Burgess - Nawaqanitawase said: “I guess so, I haven’t really thought too far [ahead].

“I’m very thankful they were able to give me the best of both worlds.”

Mark Nawaqanitawase is grateful to the NRL and RA for a unique opportunity

“Obviously I want to get into the Roosters first. Everyone who goes into sport wants to play at the highest level, that would be there. For me, the main thing is to get into the Roosters first.”

Nawaqanitawase is heading from rugby to the Roosters at a time when the glamour club has two of its stars heading the other way. Joseph Suaalii and Joseph Manu will switch at the end of the season to hopefullu fulfil their ambitions of representing the Wallabies and All Blacks respectively.

Roosters coach Trent Robinson he is in no rush to hand Nawaqanitawase his first-grade debut, although the Wallaby remains an option this season should injuries and suspensions conspire against the tri-colours. Asked if he felt he could make a contribution to the Roosters this season if required, Nawaqanitawase said: “I’d back myself to do a job if I had to. For now, I’m just keen on learning the game a bit more and make sure I’m ready if an opportunity is there.”

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Nawaqanitawase, who is contracted to the Roosters until the end of 2026, said he treasured his time in rugby and revealed he could be open to a return in the future.

“I’ve been blessed to be able to play for the Wallabies,” he said.

“That’s the dream I’ve always had and I’ve been lucky enough to do that a few times now. Waratahs, my state where I grew up, I know we’ve had some tough years but I’ve loved every minute that I’ve played.

“In the future, there might be some more, but for now I’m grateful for every minute I’ve played.

“Maybe one day we’ll get some more game time there, but I’m definitely content with where I’m at with it.”

Watch every July International Test Rugby match ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport with All Blacks v England (Saturday 4:30pm AEST), Wallaroos v Fijiana (Saturday 4:55pm AEST), Japan v Maori All Blacks (Saturday 6:50pm AEST), Wallabies v Wales (Saturday 7:00pm AEST), South Africa v Ireland (Sunday 12:55am AEST) and Argentina v France (Sunday 4:50am AEST).

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