News of Mark Nawaqanitawase’s decision to return to rugby after the 2026 NRL season has been met with raucous applause from union fans and typical groaning from some in league circles. 

The lure of playing in a home Rugby World Cup in 2027 was just too good to bypass for the man they call ‘Marky Mark.’

While it’s a huge boost for the profile of the Wallabies and that tournament, it’s expected Nawaqanitawase will ply his club trade in Japan or France, meaning fans aren’t likely to see the talented outside back playing rugby on Australian soil for nearly two years. 

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Mark Nawaqanitawase and Taniela Tupou at the UCD Bowl in Dublin.

Mark Nawaqanitawase and Taniela Tupou at the UCD Bowl in Dublin.  Getty

It will be worth the wait. 

Playing abroad will also mean Rugby Australia has to pay next to nothing – except for Test match payments – for his exploits in gold. 

Whether by design or dumb luck, that’s a fortunate piece of business for a sporting administration still squeezing every penny.

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Rob Leota, Samu Kerevi, Carter Gordon, Mark Nawaqanitawase of Australia.

Rob Leota, Samu Kerevi, Carter Gordon, Mark Nawaqanitawase of Australia. Getty

Where there should be consideration for spending is in repatriating Nawaqanitawase’s former teammate, Carter Gordon, from league.

But unlike with Nawaqanitawase, RA must get Gordon to return immediately, or not bother at all. 

As a flyhalf, Gordon will need every bit of the next 24 months lead in to the World Cup, if he is to be Australia’s commander in chief.

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The No.10 jersey is really the only big question mark still remaining at the selection table.

The merry-go-round with James O’Connor’s return trip to the UK last week is proof of that. 

Joe Schmidt has three inexperienced 10s in his squad: Ben Donaldson, Tane Edmed and Tom Lynagh. 

Australia coach Joe Schmidt before the Autumn Nations Series match.

Australia coach Joe Schmidt before the Autumn Nations Series match. Getty

Any one of them could be the man to lead Australia in 2027 – they’re all more than capable – but none have delivered any conclusive evidence to suggest they’re ‘the guy.’

Schmidt has admirably tried to back the youngsters, but must be scratching his head over who the long-term playmaker is. 

It may not be Gordon, but it just may be, and for that reason it’s worth trying to lure him back. 

Ben Donaldson of Australia celebrates with Carter Gordon.

Ben Donaldson of Australia celebrates with Carter Gordon. Getty

Big, physical, fast and with a booming boot, the ingredients are there for the making of a very good flyhalf. 

Adding another option into the mix cannot be a bad thing. 

There are reports RA has already inquired about the possibility of getting Gordon out of the final year of his contract with the Titans.

Whether that comes off remains to be seen. 

Because of a scary, career-threatening neck injury, Gordon’s switch to league has not been anywhere near the success Nawaqanitawase has experienced. 

He finally made his NRL debut for Gold Coast in round 27 this season. 

Carter Gordon of the Titans is tackled.

Carter Gordon of the Titans is tackled. Getty

Many judges expected the 24-year-old to appear in the top grade for the Titans from the opening round in 2025 and many still expect him to start next season at the NRL level. 

But would the chance to return to rugby, rejoin a resurgent Wallabies and make a statement to be Australia’s leading man at a home World Cup – possibly kicking cross field for Nawaqanitawase to soar high and score – outweigh another probable losing season on the Gold Coast?

Gee, you’d have to think so. 

Michael Hooper raised an interesting point on this week’s episode of Inside Line on Stan Sport: Nawaqanitawase is not only eligible to represent Australia in 2027, but also Fiji and Italy. 

If the freakishly talented, try-scoring machine does sign a big money contract in an overseas league, there’s nothing stopping the Italians or Fijians from trying to lure him to represent their flag. 

While a return to rugby has been signalled, a return to gold isn’t necessarily a foregone conclusion.

Food for thought for at Moore Park.