Marky Mark Heads Back to Union, Reuben Garrick Signed to Fill Roosters Backline Void

The Sydney Roosters have confirmed that premiership hero Mark Nawaqanitawase will leave for Japanese rugby union following their 2026 NRL title triumph, with Manly Sea Eagles star Reuben Garrick joining on a three-year deal from 2027.

Sydney Roosters have finalised a key backline swap, with Grand Final double-try scorer Mark Nawaqanitawase returning to rugby union and Manly Warringah Sea Eagles veteran Reuben Garrick joining the Tricolours on a three-year deal starting next season.

Fresh from their dramatic 19–18 Grand Final triumph over the Newcastle Knights, the Roosters are already reshaping their title-winning roster for a premiership defence. Nawaqanitawase, affectionately known by fans as Marky Mark, will leave the NRL and sign with Japan’s Saitama Wild Knights on a two-year union contract.

His exit pairs with Daniel Tupou’s retirement, creating two major vacancies on the club’s edge. The Roosters had targeted North Queensland’s Murray Taulagi earlier in the off-season, but those negotiations collapsed, clearing the path for Garrick’s arrival.

Marky Mark’s short, spectacular Roosters chapter

Nawaqanitawase’s NRL comeback lasted just one full campaign in red, white and blue, yet he delivered some of the biggest moments of the club’s 16th premiership run.

The Wallabies flyer crossed twice in the Grand Final against Newcastle. His second try in the 60th minute pushed the Roosters out to an 18–12 lead, a scoreboard shift that proved vital before Daly Cherry-Evans’ decisive 70th-minute field goal.

His combination of aerial skill, foot speed and raw athleticism made him a fan favourite through the finals series. While his league stint ends quickly, he departs Bondi as a premiership winner, heading back to 15-a-side rugby to chase further opportunities on the international union stage.

Garrick brings proven scoring reliability from Manly

Reuben Garrick arrives at the Roosters after eight seasons with the Sea Eagles, boasting more than 180 NRL appearances and a long list of tries. A reputation as one of the competition’s most consistent goal-kicking outside backs.

Contracted through to the end of 2029, the 29-year-old isn’t the same freakish, high-ceiling athlete Nawaqanitawase is. But he offers low-variance edge play, sturdy defence, and a reliable point-scoring option. He can cover both wing and centre, giving Trent Robinson flexibility across his backline.

The signing addresses an immediate priority: replacing strike power on the flanks after losing Tupou and Nawaqanitawase in the same off-season window.

A wider backline rebuild underway for the premiers

This edge reshuffle sits inside a much bigger roster shake-up at Bondi. Daly Cherry-Evans is also set to leave for the Super League, which will push Hugo Savala into a permanent five-eighth role in 2027.

Garrick will enter pre-season competing with Billy Smith, Rex Bassingthwaighte and the rumoured re-signed Tommy Talau for starting minutes out wide. James Tedesco remains locked in as the club’s fullback leader, anchoring the rear of Robinson’s new-look defensive structure.

The Roosters’ recruitment team has traded upside for certainty with this move. Where Nawaqanitawase could produce match-winning plays out of nothing, Garrick is a seasoned operator who rarely wastes attacking chances and adds extra value off the kicking tee.

What the swap means for their premiership defence

For the Roosters, the trade-off is clear. They lose the explosive match-winner who lit up the Grand Final, but gain a durable, battle-tested outside back who can perform week in, week out through a long title-defence campaign.

There remains uncertainty around other key pieces, including Sam Walker’s ongoing contract discussions and the future of Spencer Leniu, who has been heavily linked with a move to Parramatta. But the backline framework is now starting to take shape.

Nawaqanitawase’s magical Grand Final double is part of Roosters folklore, but the club is already turning the page. Garrick’s job will be to help the Tricolours keep scoring, keep defending and keep themselves in contention to go back-to-back.

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