Mark Nawaqanitawase is refusing to rule out turning his back on Australia for next year's home Rugby World Cup as a three-nation tug-of-war for the cross-code super talent escalates.
While Wallabies captain Harry Wilson and coach Les Kiss have no doubts Nawaqanitawase will be wearing the gold jumper at the 2027 global showpiece, the player himself is keeping his options open.
The in-demand winger's manager this week suggested Nawaqanitawase may choose to represent Fiji, to honour his father's heritage, or Italy, who the dual international is also eligible for through his grandmother.
Still only 26, the prospect of Nawaqanitawase defecting from Australia had seemed improbable.
Under World Rugby laws, if he chose to switch allegiances, following 11 Test appearances for Australia in 2022-23 before enjoying a hugely successful two-year stint in the NRL, the dual international would not be allowed to wear the Wallabies jumper ever again.
Representing Fiji or Italy would appear a more appealing scenario in the twilight of his career, not his pomp.
But the newly-crowned NRL premiership winner took to social media on Friday to reveal he'd yet to make any decisions about his playing future beyond a looming two-year, $3 million stint in Japan under former Wallabies coach Robbie Deans.
"I just thought I would jump on here as there has been a lot of speculation on my future,” Nawaqanitawase posted on Instagram.
“My only focus right now is moving to Japan in a couple of weeks and connecting with my new team at Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights.
“I will weigh up my options and make a decision next year on my international future.
“Love, Marky."
After taking in the Kangaroos' thrilling Rugby League World Cup win over New Zealand on Thursday night with Nawaqanitawase at Allianz Stadium, Wilson is confident the free agent will be playing for Australia next year.
"I don't have to convince him," Wilson said ahead of the Wallabies' second Bledisloe Cup clash with the All Blacks on Saturday.
"I played junior Wallabies with him, played Wallabies with him, saw him last night supporting the Kangaroos, so I think it's pretty obvious who he wants to play for."
Coach Kiss is also optimistic about the 2023 Olympic sevens star opting for a Wallabies return next year.
"I think there's no doubt that he wants to be back in the game for us, that’s for sure," Kiss said ahead of the Wallabies' Bledisloe Cup return stoush with the All Blacks in Sydney.
“We'll continue our conversations and go from there. I'm not going to speak on his behalf at all. But we know where he wants to play."
