After Nawaqanitawase, another Australian leaves Joe Schmidt on foot to move on to 13-a-side rugby
Australia: another young talent leaves the Wallabies to move to Rugby League (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)
There is no peace for Joe Schmidt, who is trying to rebuild an Australia in rubble after the last World Cup. The Wallabies had already lost strong winger Mark Nawaqanitawase in December, and now 23-year-old fly-half Carter Gordon has also made the same decision.
Gordon was supposed to be the number 10 of the future in Rugby Australia’s plans, after Eddie Jones had already given him space during the World Cup. The 23-year-old’s decision instead left everyone stunned: he signed a two-year contract with the Gold Coast Titans for 2025 and 2026.
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“I’m excited about the direction Rugby League is taking and the positivity around the game. At 23, I feel like I need to take this opportunity now. I’m under no illusions and I know this will be a huge challenge, but I was really impressed by the Titans and the professionalism they showed in our matches,” said Gordon: “I loved my time in 15-a-side rugby because it gave me the opportunity to represent my country, which I will always appreciate.”
In theory, therefore, Gordon could still play for the Wallabies this year, but at this point – just as he did with Nawaqanitawase – Schmidt could decide not to use him and instead focus on the players he may have available in the future.
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For example, Noah Lolesio, who after the “joker deal” experience in Toulon during the 2023 Rugby World Cup (for which he was not called up) returned to the Brumbies and recently signed a new contract with the Australian Federation.
At this point, it is likely that Joe Schmidt will focus on him, also because since the Australian midfielder (always criticized for his inconsistency, despite his indisputable talent) returned to the Brumbies after the French period and exclusion from the World Cup he seemed much more confident and mature on the pitch: “I’m trying to relax, have fun and not put too much pressure on myself, which is what I’ve done in recent years” said Lolesio.
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