Former Wallaby Carter Gordon gave up millions in his code switch to the Titans

Carter Gordon could have made millions by heading overseas to European rugby. Instead, the former Wallabies fly half is backing himself to succeed in the NRL with the Titans.

ATTN ATTN EMBARGOED UNTIL 7AM FOR ONLINE EMBARGOEDÉÉ. Cbus Stadium, Mat Rogers and Titans signing Carter Gordon modelling their 2025 jersey. Pics Adam Head

Former Wallabies playmaker Carter Gordon has sacrificed more than $1 million in his quest to become an NRL star at the Gold Coast Titans.

This masthead can reveal Gordon knocked back lucrative offers from at least three European rugby clubs to sign with the Titans, underlining his extraordinary commitment to succeeding in rugby league.

When the cash-strapped Melbourne Rebels were axed by Rugby Australia in May, Gordon had a number of options at his disposal, including a move overseas that would have made him an instant millionaire.

Carter Gordon is determined to succeed in the NRL at the Titans. Picture: Adam Head.

Gordon fielded offers from European rugby outfits worth between $800,000 to $1 million-a-season, with the Sunshine Coast product capable of earning up to $2 million for a two-year package by heading abroad.

Instead, the 23-year-old inked a two-year deal with the Titans worth around $400,000 annually, meaning Gordon walked away from an estimated $1.2 million with his bold decision to switch codes.

It is a stunning fiscal sacrifice in an industry where one injury can swiftly kill a player’s career. But it underscores the competitive mindset of Gordon, who is determined to prove Australian rugby’s best talents possess the skill set to cut it in the NRL.

“Carter had been through a tough period in rugby with the Rebels being cut, so I asked him if he would consider rugby league,” says his agent Anthony Picone.

“He actually had a lot of interest overseas for very big money and he didn’t take that.

Gordon had a big future in rugby with the Wallabies.

“He could have definitely earnt more money staying in rugby — he had three or four big clubs in Europe chasing him.

“Ultimately, it wasn’t about the money. What actually appealed to him was the challenge of making it in the NRL.

“A lot of rugby guys watch the NRL week in, week out, they watch State of Origin and think they would love to compete in that arena and prove themselves.

“The NRL has so many superstars so that’s an appeal for rugby guys to play with and against them.

“Carter is at the right age to make it. He didn’t want to try the NRL at 27 or 28, he wanted to roll the dice now while he is still young and has time to learn the game and get to the peak of his powers.

“This isn’t a not a short-term gamble. He is taking a long-term approach to doing well in league and is backing himself.”

The Titans have already been impressed by Gordon’s class off the field.

At a recent club function, ‘Flash Gordon’ was the first player to arrive, one hour early. He stood at the front door, introducing himself to Titans sponsors as they walked in, later telling club bosses: “People don’t know who I am, so I want to make a good first impression.”

Des Hasler likes what he sees. The Titans coach is mindful not to toss Gordon in the deep end, but at 189cm and 93kg, the former World Cup fly half, who played eight Tests for the Wallabies, has the size and skill to be a handful in the NRL halves.

Gordon has impressed the Titans with his size, work ethic and ball skills. Picture: Glenn Campbell

“Carter is a brilliant player, his passing game is world class,” Picone said.

“Kieran Foran (veteran Titans playmaker) has been great for Carter. Foran has done everything in the NRL and with his experience, he is doing everything possible to help Carter learn the game and succeed.

“There’s a lot been said but Carter can make it in rugby league. He has the skill set, he’s got the toughness, he’s got the fitness and he’s got the football intellect to do well.

“He is a tough defender, he is a combative person and he wants to everything he does. In league, that is such an important quality.

“The good thing is there’s no rush to this process. Des Hasler has been great, he is being really patient and that will give Carter the best opportunity to succeed in rugby league.

“From the outset, everything the Titans have pitched to Carter, they have been true to their word. There is a very structured and planned progression for Carter and the Titans are mindful not to put too much pressure on him.

“He is very coachable. He will give himself every possible chance of making it. I wouldn’t be surprised if he became a very good playmaker in the NRL.”

Gordon has had a preliminary taste of league at the senior level, given an early release from his RA deal in June to begin his journey to NRL stardom at the Titans.

The Queenslander made an instant impact in the second-tier Hostplus Cup, scoring four tries from as many appearances for the Tweed Seagulls, while also posting three try assists, four line breaks and eight tackle busts.

Gordon also averaged an impressive 99 running metres per game, underlining his willingness to take on the line and give the Titans an attacking option to complement Foran’s organisational ability.

Former Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan is gobsmacked by Gordon’s defection, saying he will be a revelation at the Titans.

“It was crazy to lose Carter to rugby league,” he said.

“He will be magnificent for the Gold Coast Titans.

“Carter will go really well in the NRL. He is much taller and stronger than people think. The games are very different but Carter has good skill and his defence will really improve in the NRL.

“He has the size to handle himself in defence so I think the Titans have got a good recruit.

“I never wanted to lose him, no way. It’s a real blow for Australian rugby.

“He had a real future with the Wallabies, but I hope he does well with the Titans because he is a wonderful young man.”

Originally published as Former Wallaby Carter Gordon gave up millions in his code switch to the Titans