LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Rugby Australia has made the tough call on releasing former Wallabies stars, Mark Nawaqanitawase and Carter Gordon, to pursue their dreams in the NRL next season.
Nawaqanitawase is set to join the Sydney Roosters, while Gordon will don the Gold Coast Titans jersey.
Originally slated to join their new teams for the 2025 NRL pre-season in November, Rugby Australia has given the green light for the duo to make an early exit.
Gordon, who will be slotting into the halves for the Titans, will make an immediate impact at the club.
He is expected to start in reserve grade and could push for a top-grade spot by the end of the season, especially if the Titans are no longer in contention for the finals - a position they may find themselves in sooner rather than later.
As for Nawaqanitawase, his release will be delayed until after the Paris Olympic Games in late July, where he will represent the Australian Rugby Sevens team in pursuit of Olympic gold.
The outside back will then make his transition to the NRL, ready to showcase his skills on the rugby league field.