Code hopping Wallabies Carter Gordon and Mark Nawaqanitawase are backed for NRL success by a man who has travelled the same road but in reverse.
Tom Wright – back in the Wallabies after being axed by Eddie Jones last year – started his professional football career with the Manly Sea Eagles.
He played five NRL games in 2018 before being lured down the Hume Highway to join the ACT Brumbies and has gone on to play 25 Tests for Australia.
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The 26-year-old wasn’t about to throw stones at his former teammates for joining the rival code at the Wallabies hotel in Coogee.
“I think that’s exciting for those guys,” Wright told reporters on Tuesday ahead of Saturday’s season opening Test against Wales at Allianz Stadium.
“For someone trying to decide their future, like you’ve got to look after yourself. I think he’s (Gordon) got the skill set to transition to the game really well.
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“And I can’t see him doing anything except going really well, man. I think he’s got the pass, kick, run which we saw a fair bit of last year in the Tests. So, yeah, exciting opportunity.”
Melbourne Rebels playmaker Gordon has signed a two year deal with the Gold Coast Titans while NSW Waratahs winger Nawaqanitawase is joining the Sydney Roosters on the same length contract.
“Mark’s a no brainer – obviously a big, athletic guy that will fit into the Chooks system probably to a T,” Wright said.
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Roosters star Joseph Suaalii is following Wright’s path from the NRL to rugby and Wright didn’t think there would be an large scale one-way exodus.
“Probably not, like it’s awesome media hype and I get all that stuff. I think for the guys in Melbourne (with the Rebels folding), like obviously Carter’s one but I don’t think too many (will consider a code switch),” he said.
“Like when we’re here, everyone’s just flat out trying to get in the 23, not worrying too much about trying to fit in at lock at the Raiders.”
Recalled Wallabies forward Lukhan Salakaia-Loto is looking for a new home after the Rebels demise but would not be drawn on his future other than jokingly suggesting the NBA and NRL.
“Not sure yet. Still trying to sort it out. I’m just here focused on trying to earn a spot on the team this week and performing well,” Salakaia-Loto said.
“All options are open at the moment but I can’t really give you an answer at the minute.”
Nawaqanitawase will play sevens for Australia at the Olympics before joining the glamour Sydney club.
“We’re really pleased to be in a position to have Mark join us once his commitments in Paris are over,” Roosters coach Trent Robinson said.
“While Mark will be taking the final spot in our roster for 2024, our focus won’t be on rushing him into the NRL, but about fast tracking his transition into rugby league. We’re looking forward to officially welcoming Mark to the Roosters next month and we wish him all the very best in his representative duties at the Olympics. Bonne chance!”