By virtually every metric, it’s been a remarkable debut NRL season for 2025 Ken Irvine medalist Mark Nawaqanitawase—and the former Wallaby has another accolade to prove it.
Given his previous resume in professional rugby union, the 25-year-old was deemed ineligible for Dally M Rookie of the Year honours following an NRL rule change last month.
However the Rugby League Players Association has no such qualms, naming the Sydney Roosters winger as its 2025 ROTY winner on Monday night.
Nawaqanitawase was one of five finalists for the honour in a hot field that also included Warriors forward Leka Halasima, Eels fullback Isaiah Iongi, Raiders winger Savelio Tamale and his Sydney Roosters backline teammate Robert Toia.
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Like all RPLA honours, Rookie of the Year is voted for exclusively by NRL players—and given the torment Nawaqanitawase has caused opponents all season long, it’s no surprise he garnered plenty of admirers.
After replacing the rugby union-bound Joseph Sua'ali’i at the Roosters in the off season, Nawaqanitawase was the NRL’s top try scorer for 2025 with 24 four-pointers in 23 games.
He now seems almost certain to be selected for the end of season Kangaroo Tour to England where he will likely become Australia’s latest dual code international.
The RLPA will announce its Players’ Champion awards from both the NRL and NRLW on October 2 in the lead-up to the 2025 grand final.
The Finalists for the 2025 Rookie of the Year from the NRL are here! 🗳️
— RLPA | Rugby League Players Association (@RLPlayers) September 14, 2025
As voted by the players, the individual winner will be announced on 100% Footy on @nrlonnine tomorrow night!
Who do you think the players voted as their Rookie of the Year? Comment below 👇 pic.twitter.com/vZnvqfXE0r