Mark Nawaqanitawase’s electric debut season in the NRL has been one of the standout stories of 2025, a code-hopping winger who brought flair, speed, and star power to the Roosters' right edge.
At 24, his transition from rugby union to rugby league has been seamless, with many tipping him as a frontrunner for Rookie of the Year honours.
But in a surprising twist, Nawaqanitawase’s hopes of claiming the award have been dashed, not by form or injury, but by a quiet rule change from the ARL Commission.
The decision has drawn a mix of frustration from fans and admiration from within the Roosters' camp, where many still see his debut campaign as one of the most impactful in recent memory.
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Andrew Abdo has revealed at a press conference why the Commission and the NRL have reviewed and changed the criteria for the Rookie of the Year award.
“The Commission has made a policy decision around Rookie of The Year,” he said.
“I think it’s contemporary, it hasn’t been looked at for a while and the decision is simple. It’s meant for genuine rookies that are coming through our pathways system and not players that have significant experience, even if it is in other sports,” Abdo stated.
The updated clause, introduced late in the season, now renders players ineligible if they’ve competed in five or more professional matches in any other sport.
Having previously starred for the Wallabies, played on the sevens circuit, and represented Australia at the Paris Olympics, Nawaqanitawase falls just outside the new threshold, despite this being his first season in the NRL.