Carter Gordon playing for the Rebels in their quarter-final defeat.

Carter Gordon playing for the Rebels in their quarter-final defeat.Credit:Getty

Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh said he wouldn’t consider an early release,however,because Gordon was still in contention to play for the Wallabies.

Gordon is due to begin satellite Wallabies training in Melbourne next week,before a July Test squad is named by coach Joe Schmidt at the end of the week. The 23-year-old is in the mix for Wallabies selection but is arguably behind Noah Lolesio and Ben Donaldson in the pecking order.

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Nawaqanitawase’s omission, and other England-bound players also being overlooked,strongly suggested Schmidt is not wasting Test opportunities on players who won’t be in Australia in 2025,when the British and Irish Lions tour. And Gordon is now in that same category.

But Waugh,who said in December that Nawaqanitawasewould still be eligible for the Wallabies despite his NRL switch,reiterated his stance when asked about a potential early release for Gordon.

Mark Nawaqanitawase in action for the Waratahs.

Mark Nawaqanitawase in action for the Waratahs.Credit:Getty

“I still have exactly the same view,in the fact you have to win the next Test match and you pick the best team you possibly can to win the next Test match,” Waugh said.

“Joe and I have been very clear on that. His selection is made on players he thinks will win the next Test match,not necessarily where they are committed to in years ahead.

“Joe is going to pick players for the best possible Wallabies XV,and 23. How you perform is what determines selection. It is not going to be a situation of,‘Once you are going somewhere else,you are wiped’.”

Rugby Australia could save some money by getting Gordon and Nawaqanitawase off their books,but RA officials are also mindful they don’t want to roll out the red carpet for NRL clubs to conduct more raids. And while it is feasible (though not convincing) neither player will make Schmidt’s first Test squad based on Super Rugby form,a call-up could still only an injury or two away.

Asked if he was alarmed about Gordon quitting rugby to join rugby league,Waugh said:“My comments are still the same as what I have made before,in that we need to create the right culture and environment where people are desperate to be a part of it.”

Waugh said RA’s offer to Gordon was “very fair,and he had the opportunity to earn significant income”,but was in line with his determination to be financially disciplined.

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RA were keen for Gordon to join the Waratahs as part of the post-Rebels distribution,but the RA-owned franchise is still in the process of recruiting a head coach and director of rugby.

Waugh conceded the uncertainty was a factor for Gordon.

“It is difficult to sell that dream when there is no-one there,and without that certainty,” the RA chief executive said.

“Clearly the disappointment of the World Cup last year had an impact and the uncertainty in the environment in Melbourne had an impact,and we don’t underestimate any of that. We need to recognise that and acknowledge it has been difficult for a lot of our players.”

Watch all the action from the2024 Super Rugby Pacific season,with every match ad-free,live and on demand onStan Sport.

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