Both Mark Nawaqanitawase and Carter Gordon have been granted an early release from their Rugby Australia contracts, with the pair free to join their respective NRL clubs this season.
That is according to the SMH, who are reporting rugby union’s governing board executed deeds of release for the pair on Monday.
Nawaqanitawase signed a two-year deal to join the Roosters in 2025, while Gordon also put pen to paper on a two-year contract to join the Titans next season.
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Nawaqanitawase’s release reportedly won’t become official until after his Olympic campaign on July 27, the date of the men’s rugby sevens final in Paris.
The Roosters on Monday reportedly put forward their application to the NRL for Nawaqanitawase to join be registered with the club early.
The NRL are reportedly set to give the Tricolours club the green light for him to join his new teammates and begin learning the ropes in the 13-man code.
Meanwhile, Gordon is free to join the Titans with immediate effect and his new contract is reportedly worth around $600,000.
Gold Coast coaching staff reportedly won’t rush his development, however are keen to get his training with the squad to fast track his development.
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The 23-year-old has previously represented the Wallabies and featured at the recent World Cup in 2023, while Nawaqanitawase was also a key member of that Australian side.
However, the push for Nawaqanitawase to be granted an early release came after he was left out of the Wallabies’ squad for this month’s Test matches.
Speaking after his side’s win over the Tigers, Roosters coach Trent Robinson confirmed the club were hopeful their new recruit would be free to join the squad this year.
“I haven’t got an NRL focus for him. I’ve got a transition into rugby league focus and getting him training, if possible, and playing some reserve grade would be ideal,” he said.
“And then it’s up to him with how he adapts. The focus is definitely not NRL. There’s not a view on NRL any time soon.
“We’ve got a spot available to do that, but we want to get his feet on the ground to get his understanding (of rugby league).”
