Brian Kelly heaps praise on retiring Gold Coast Titans NRL teammate Michael Gordon

As a proud Ballina Seagull, Brian Kelly has a natural Northern Rivers competitive rivalry with retiring Titans teammate and Tweed Coast Raiders junior Michael Gordon.

AS a proud Ballina Seagull, Brian Kelly has a natural Northern Rivers competitive rivalry with retiring Titans teammate and Tweed Coast Raiders junior Michael Gordon.

Kelly is the first to admit though that Gordon will be dearly missed around the Gold Coast NRL club when he hangs his boots up at the end of the season.

Gordon confirmed his decision on Wednesday morning, having played 257 matches across stints at Penrith, Cronulla, Parramatta, the Roosters and Gold Coast. It is hoped he will recover from a hamstring injury in time to add to his games tally before the year is up.

THE NEXT STEP FOR GORDON

Kelly had nothing but praise for the 35-year-old fullback, who he cheered for as a Panthers fan in 2006 before the Titans’ inception.

“He’s an absolute legend of a bloke,” said the centre.

Northern Rivers products in the 2017 NSW Country team: Cody Walker, Brian Kelly, Cheyse Blair, Michael Gordon, Anthony Don, Mitch Aubusson and Tyrone Roberts. Picture: Gregg Porteous

“I first met him two years ago when I played in that (NSW) Country side and he was in it as well – there was about six of us Northern Rivers boys – and ever since then I have had mad respect for the guy.

“He is just off the field really humble and genuine as a bloke. You can talk to him about anything, on the field, off the field, and he’s no bullshit, he just straight up has a good yarn with you.”

Kelly added Gordon had been a good leader at the Titans and someone “you can just soak up information from.”

Michael Gordon in action for the Titans. Picture: AAP Image

Gordon, who represented NSW in State of Origin in 2010 and has been nominated as a finalist for this year’s Ken Stephens Medal as recognition for his work in the community, was glad to finish his career on the Gold Coast.

Live stream the 2019 NRL Telstra Premiership on KAYO SPORTS. Every game of every round live & anytime on your TV or favourite device. Get your 14 day free trial >

“I am very proud to be a Titan and very grateful to the Gold Coast for giving me the chance to finish my career by representing the region I started with as an under-7 with the Tweed Coast Raiders many years ago,” he said.

“I am also very thankful to the Titans fans and my teammates for supporting me over the past two years, and I’m similarly thankful to all the guys I played alongside and the fans that supported me at my other clubs over the years.

“I am excited about the road ahead of me in life after football, and also excited for the bright future ahead for the Gold Coast Titans.”