By Nick Wright
The defection of former Wallabies star Carter Gordon to the NRL has overshadowed a similar journey being undertaken by one of his old Super Rugby teammates.
After the fall of the Melbourne Rebels, Glen Vaihu defied interest from rival rugby union outfits to head to rugby league, where he has now taken up a train-and-trial deal with the Brisbane Broncos.
The 23-year-old outside back made an immediate impression in four games for Souths Logan Magpies in the Queensland Cup, scoring twice off the bench on debut and averaging 119 running metres and more than four tackle busts each contest.
Glen Vaihu tries to tackle Langi Gleeson during his Melbourne Rebels days.Credit: Getty
While Broncos coach Michael Maguire hopes to keep off-contract centres in Selwyn Cobbo and Kotoni Staggs, the active player market could make that a costly mission.
But according to Magpies coach Karmichael Hunt, Vaihu was tailor-made for the NRL, regardless of what happens to Cobbo and Staggs.
Hunt – who played 128 games for the Broncos and six Wallabies Tests – believes Vaihu’s defensive capabilities make him a breakout inclusion, having missed just one tackle in his league initiation.
He said Vaihu had “excelled” since his transition, with his strength carrying the ball out of trouble proving a valuable asset.
“He was so motivated to give it a crack, he actually played some BRL [Brisbane Rugby League] games first,” Hunt told this masthead.
“His athletic ability, and ability to beat defenders one-on-one, has really stood out. He had some offers to go back to Super Rugby and overseas, but he wanted to really give rugby league a red-hot crack.”
Hunt described Vaihu as “a very smart boy” who read the play well while playing on the edge, and was decisive in the centres.
Karmichael Hunt, pictured in his Test debut for the Wallabies, believes Glen Vaihu warrants a shot in the NRL.Credit: Scott Barbour
“We desperately want him to stay in rugby league because he’s such a difference with the ball. He’s got really good late footwork at the line. He’s a really powerful build with good acceleration, and he loves the tough stuff.
“I’ve got every confidence that if he’s given the right support and time, he could develop into a really good footy player at that level.”
While Vaihu’s shift to rugby league has flown under the radar, Gordon and Roosters recruit Mark Nawaqanitawase were firmly in the spotlight.
Just 12 months after the new Gold Coast Titan was reeling from Australia’s disastrous World Cup campaign, Gordon now hopes to become the club’s most reliable halfback since Scott Prince.
Gordon made a statement in four games for Tweed Seagulls this year, scoring in each outing while producing three try assists in stints at centre and five-eighth.
But halfback appears to be his best long-term option, given usual fullbacks Jayden Campbell and AJ Brimson have shifted to the midfield to accommodate rookie No.1 Keano Kini.
He is yet to don the No.7 jumper, but Gordon’s esteem as a Wallabies five-eighth could be the perfect initiation.
Both jobs are tasked with guiding a team, instigating the attack, and using their kicking game to build pressure.
“No playmaker from rugby has come over to have a crack … [but] Carter has all the skills needed to succeed.”
Mat Rogers
They are traits cross-code legend Mat Rogers has seen in the 23-year-old; characteristics he believes could enable Gordon to successfully transition from the 15-man format into one of the NRL’s most coveted roles.
“No playmaker from rugby has come over to have a crack … [but] Carter has all the skills needed to succeed,” Rogers said.
“With a guy like Kieran Foran in his corner who’s been doing this forever, with Des Hasler as his coach – a former halfback – he’s got people to teach him how to manage a game.
“I think Carter could be anything. I called a few of Carter’s games from the sideline and saw it close up.
“He’s a big strong bugger and has got a great passing game, a great kicking game and can run the ball.
“They’re three attributes that work well in both rugby league and rugby union, so I can’t see any reason why he wouldn’t succeed.”
Gordon confirmed Hasler would be running him in the halves in the preseason, and Hunt believes the transition to NRL chief playmaker may not be as daunting as many would assume, given the extra space from the defensive line he will be provided.
“When I’ve watched Quade Cooper, for example, and the mind they have to play that position, because the defensive line is a lot closer, it logically tells me Carter should be able to transfer quite seamlessly,” Hunt said.
“He’ll have more time and will have the same attributes that made him good in rugby, which are good in league.”
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