NRL 2024: Wallabies star Carter Gordon makes code switch after signing with Gold Coast Titans

Wallabies five-eighth Carter Gordon has made a sensational code switch to rugby league after signing with the Gold Coast Titans.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JULY 29: Carter Gordon of the Wallabies runs the ball during the The Rugby Championship & Bledisloe Cup match between the Australia Wallabies and the New Zealand All Blacks at Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 29, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Wallabies five-eighth Carter Gordon has sensationally switched codes to the NRL and signed with the Gold Coast Titans.

Gordon becomes the second player from the Wallabies World Cup squad of last year to sign with league, after winger Mark Nawaqanitawase signed with the Sydney Roosters.

The 23-year-old playmaker was coming off contract, and after his Melbourne Rebels club was axed from next year’s Super Rugby Pacific tournament by Rugby Australia his future had been subject to much speculation.

While the NSW Waratahs had hoped to lure him to Sydney, Gordon has opted to make the transition to the NRL with a two-year deal, which rules him out of next year’s British & Irish Lions tour.

Carter Gordon is rugby league bound with the Titans. Picture: Joe Allison/Getty Images

“I’m excited with the direction that rugby league is taking and the positive feeling around the game,” Gordon said.

“At 23, I feel like I had to take this opportunity now.

“I’m under no illusions and understand that this will be a massive challenge.

“I was really impressed with the Titans and the professionalism they displayed in our meetings.

Carter Gordon will depart the Melbourne Rebels as the club is axed from next year’s Super Rugby Pacific tournament. Picture: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

“I’ve loved my time with rugby as it’s given me the opportunity to represent my country which I’ll always appreciate.”

Titans Coach Des Hasler says he’s looking forward to working with Gordon next season.

“Carter has competed well in rugby, representing his country and playing at the World Cup,” Hasler said.

“What has impressed me is his attitude to test himself and take on the challenge of switching to a new code.

“He’s a skilful player who backs himself.”

Gordon is contracted to the Gold Coast until the end of the 2026 season.

Originally published as NRL 2024: Wallabies star Carter Gordon makes code switch after signing with Gold Coast Titans