Former Sunshine Coast rugby union and Grammar star Carter Gordon debuts for the Melbourne Rebels in the Super Rugby Competition

A former Coast sporting star is fulfilling his dream of playing at the elite level and competing against the world’s best. Here is how he did it.

Carter Gordon in action for the Australian Schoolboys against NZ Schools at Ballymore. Picture: John Gass

A former Coast rugby union star is continuing to turn a lifelong dream into a reality after debuting for the Melbourne Rebels in the Australian and Trans Tasman Super Rugby competitions.

Carter Gordon, 20, was a junior for Sunshine Coast Grammar before moving to Brisbane Boys College and progressing onto the Queensland Reds in 2019.

The now Rebels fly half said it was a dream come true to debut for his team.

"It was really exciting and something I'll remember for a long time," he said.

"I was definitely nervous but I had been in the program for a little while now so I felt like I was ready to go out there and play some good rugby."

Carter Gordon in action at training for the Melbourne Rebels. Picture: Social media

Gordon, who is now the first choice fly half for the Rebels, said the opportunity to play against the New Zealand super rugby teams had been a massive learning curve.

"It's been really enjoyable for our whole team," he said.

"We're obviously travelling a bit more and playing the kiwi teams which has been good.

"For myself to play top level rugby and to be given a couple of starts now has been awesome.

"I'm really looking forward to our round 5 match against the Crusaders as I'll be up against Richie Mo'unga and he's someone I've always looked up to."

Gordon said he hoped his time in the number 10 jersey would continue and he was happy with the support he received.

"I'm just looking at continuing to improve my game and I know the more games I play in will help me achieve that," he said.

"For now it's just honing in on little skills and making sure I'm doing my job really well which is why it definitely helps having Matt (Toomua) around.

"He's been at the elite level for so long and he's always happy to give me advice or help me improve my game."

Gordon, who has a close relationship with Wallabies halfback Tate McDermott, said he was a massive inspiration for when he was coming through the ranks.

"Tate and I are good mates as he was someone I grew up with and he was on the Coast and at Grammar when I was there, so he's definitely someone I look up to," he said.

Carter Gordon looking to kick for touch while representing the Australian Schoolboys against NZ Schools at Ballymore. Picture: John Gass

The former Australian Schoolboys fly half said it was crazy to think he was now part of the next generation of players.

"It's quite special as I know how I felt looking up to those older players when I was growing up so to have that reciprocated to the younger players coming through is a great feeling," he said.

Gordon said he was happy with his decision to make the move down south in 2020 and hoped his form would continue.

"I'm really enjoying my rugby, I'm enjoying my time at the club and in Melbourne so it's all going well for me at the moment," he said.