Wallabies captain Harry Wilson has shut down talk of super talent Mark Nawaqanitawase playing for anyone but Australia at next year's home Rugby World Cup.
Nawaqanitawase's manager this week suggested the cross-code star may choose to represent Italy, through his grandmother, or Fiji, to honour his father's heritage, at the 2027 global showpiece.
But it would seem most improbable.
Under World Rugby laws, if Nawaqanitawase chose to switch allegiances, following 11 Test appearances for Australia in 2022-23 before enjoying a hugely successful two-year stint in the NRL, he would not be allowed to wear the Wallabies gold ever again.
The newly-crowned NRL premiership winner is bound for Japan on a two-year deal, reportedly worth $3 million, to play under former Wallabies coach Robbie Deans at the Saitama Wild Knights in the League One.
And after taking in the Kangaroos' thrilling Rugby League World Cup win over New Zealand on Thursday night with Nawaqanitawase at Allianz Stadium, Wilson has no doubt which country the free agent will be playing for 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."
On that note, the so-called tug-of-war for the wing sensation's national services seems over.
Australian Associated Press
