NRL 2025: Former dual international Mat Rogers tips Wallabies convert Carter Gordon to dominate NRL with Titans
Dual international Mat Rogers has tipped fellow code-hopper Carter Gordon to take the NRL by storm, with the ex-Wallaby setting his sights on an NRL debut in the Titans’ halves next season.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Former dual international Mat Rogers has tipped Gold Coast code-hopper Carter Gordon to take the NRL by storm as the Wallabies convert set his sights on a round 1 Titans debut.
Gordon will embark on his first NRL pre-season on Friday when Gold Coast coach Des Hasler gathers his troops to begin preparations for the 2025 Premiership.
Hasler has comprised one of the NRL’s top forward packs following the acquisition of Reagan Campbell-Gillard from Parramatta to go with Queensland Origin trio Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Moeaki Fotuaika and David Fifita.
And he has a promising spine evolving following the rise of New Zealand Test fullback Keano Kini and success of Jayden Campbell in the halves.
Gordon, 23, will now enter the mix after deciding to quit rugby and leave behind an eight Test career for Australia following the demise of the Melbourne Rebels.
Gordon was picked to unveil Gold Coast’s 2025 jersey alongside Rogers, a foundation Titans player who wore the 2010 strip that next year’s has been modelled off.
Gordon said he couldn’t wait to rip into his first NRL pre-season and he was targeting a debut in the halves early next year.
“I start pre-season (on Friday) and have had a good couple of weeks off and am really refreshed. I am keen to get into the swing of things,” he said.
“I really enjoy ball-playing. That is a strength I had in rugby union and that is something I want to bring across to rugby league.
“I like taking the ball into the line and getting into the line. In saying that I don’t mind playing centre. It is where Des sees my best fit but halves is where I want to play in the future.
“A lot of the focus has been on pre-season so it is going to be about how quickly I get up to speed with my game and body.
“If I get to a position where I am ready to go and Des doesn’t play me then that is the coach’s call and the call I will stand by.
“I want to be ready to play NRL next year and be mentally and physically (ready) with all the knowledge. It will be up to the coaches (to decide) whether they think I am ready.”
Gordon, an imposing playmaker at 189cm and 93kg, has a mentor close by in Rogers, who made his NRL debut for Cronulla in 1995 before switching to rugby in 2002 and finishing his career with the Titans from 2007-11.
Gordon swapped phone numbers with the Gold Coast-based Rogers on Thursday and the former Titans playmaker is tipping big things for the NRL’s latest rugby convert.
“He’s got every skill to make it so I can’t see why he wouldn’t,” Rogers said.
“He’s got a great attitude, amazing passing and kicking game and he can run the ball. He’s got the right attributes for someone who wants to play in the halves.
“Watching him play close up last year, I saw a lot of transferable skills that will come across to rugby league. It’s about understanding the game and finding his timing.
“He’s got some great teachers in Des Hasler and Kieran Foran to help him find his way.
“As an athlete, he’s a specimen.”
Gordon signed a two-year contract with the Titans and joined the club in the latter stages of last season, playing four Hostplus Cup games for the Tweed Heads Seagulls.
He recognises getting his defence right will be his biggest challenge before Hasler hands him a debut, but is excited for what the future holds.
“I was always intrigued by the game. It runs in the family,” the Sunshine Coast product said.
“My old man and grandad played and that is all we watched growing up. I went to a private school and was in the union system all the way growing up but all the time in the back of mind was to get a chance to play rugby league.
“I’m 23 and young enough to transition and get my foot in the door. It is going to take a lot of work and I am ready for that.”
More Coverage
Originally published as NRL 2025: Former dual international Mat Rogers tips Wallabies convert Carter Gordon to dominate NRL with Titans
Best 17, rookies to watch: Bulldogs primed for premiership charge
There’s something special about Canterbury heading into 2025. PAMELA WHALEY breaks down the issues facing the club, the rookies to watch and more in our deep dive into the Bulldogs.
Milford signs with Brisbane Broncos feeder club
Former Broncos and Dolphins playmaker Anthony Milford has made a last-ditch effort to revive his NRL career, signing with one of Brisbane’s feeder clubs.