Australian Wallabies rugby union convert Carter Gordon scores debut try in Tweed Seagulls 34-20 win against Western Clydesdales in the Gold Coast rugby league

Wallabies fly-half turned NRL Titan Carter Gordon impressed in his first Gold Coast rugby league outing. Tweed coach Dave Penna was impressed.

Former Wallabies fly-half Carter Gordon ran out for Tweed in the Hostplus Cup on Sunday in what was his first rugby league game since signing with the Gold Coast Titans last month.

Gordon lined up in the centres for the Seagulls and made an impact as Tweed downed the struggling Western Clydesdales 34-20 in the round 19 Hostplus Cup fixture.

In a solid showing, Gordon’s strength and athleticism was on show. His highlight was a 58th minute try where he had the presence of mind and zip to cut back inside from the edge and leave the Clydesdales defenders helpless as he crossed the stripe untouched.

“It was pleasing and for him to get his first taste of rugby league was really good,” said Tweed coach Dave Penna.

“It was first game so we wanted to keep it low key for Carter, but he’s been working really hard for the Titans. I think it was just good for him to get out there and blow the cobwebs out and introduce him to rugby league and he did a really good job.”

Along with his try, Gordon ran for 137 metres, recorded two line breaks and a try assist, and converted three out of five attempts to finish the match with 10 points.

Carter Gordon pictured at the Titans round 19 NRL match. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images.

“He’s a quality player, he’s played for his country in rugby union, it’ll take him a little bit of time and Des (Hasler) and his staff will keep working with him but for his first hit out he did really well,” Penna said.

“He fit in quite well and the boys have enjoyed having him around, he’s a good fella. He’s got a good future ahead of him in NRL and it was a small step for him on the weekend.

“There was no real you could see where he went backwards or anything like that, it was good.”

Penna said Gordon played centre as it was “easier to give him a taste of what the game’s about”.

Carter Gordon in action for the Melbourne Rebels. Picture: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images.

He remained tight lipped on whether Gordon would be given an opportunity in the halves in the four remaining Cup games of the season, and said if he continues to play – and where – would be up to the Titans.

Gordon is touted to assume a role in the halves with the Titans from 2025 but the club’s playmaking stocks are already fruitful with AJ Brimson, Jayden Campbell, Kieran Foran and Tanah Boyd all set to continue with the club into next season.

Gordon has been playing in the Super Rugby Pacific for the Melbourne Rebels, but was left looking for a new home after the club was cut from the competition due to financial difficulties.

As a result, he put pen to paper with the Titans on June 12 in a deal that would take him through to the end of 2026.

He was later granted a release from his Rugby Australia contract so he could commence training with the Titans.

Originally published as Australian Wallabies rugby union convert Carter Gordon scores debut try in Tweed Seagulls 34-20 win against Western Clydesdales in the Gold Coast rugby league