Wallaby Carter Gordon switches codes to sign with NRL club
Star Wallabies flyhalf Carter Gordon has made a huge call on his future, ditching rugby union to sign with the NRL.
The Gold Coast Titans have boosted their halves stocks for 2025 by snapping up Wallaby flyhalf Carter Gordon on a two-year deal.
The 23-year-old has made eight appearances for the Wallabies and was a member of Eddie Jones’ squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
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After four seasons with the Melbourne Rebels, who have been punted from the Super Rugby competition following the 2024 campaign, Gordon has made the call to switch codes.
“I’m excited with the direction that rugby league is taking and the positive feeling around the game,” Gordon said in a statement released by the Titans on Wednesday.
“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.
“I’ve loved my time with rugby as it’s given me the opportunity to represent my country, which I’ll always appreciate.”
The move is another blow to the 15-man code, with the Wallabies and the Super Rugby competition both battling for attendances and media coverage in recent years.
Two-time winners of the World Cup, back in 1991 and 1999, the Australian side has fallen on hard times, knocked out in the quarter-finals in 2019 before a disastrous 2023 campaign, when it failed to get out of the pool stage for the first time.
Gordon joins fellow 23-year-old Mark Nawaqanitawase, who has also severed ties with rugby union to join the Sydney Roosters from 2025.
Rugby is welcoming Joseph Sua’ali’i to the code next season, but Gordon’s switch is another worry for Rugby Australia.
Titans coach Des Hasler is looking forward to welcoming Gordon to the NRL club next year.
“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.”
There has been a mixed reaction to the news on social media, with some celebrating the Titans’ signing and others questioning whether he can effectively make the switch.
“Congratulations Titans! You’ve picked up an outstanding young man. We’ll miss him greatly in our union community on and off the field,” was one comment on X.
“You got yourself a gem here. Look after him,” wrote another.
“Carter Gordon heading to the Gold Coast Titans. A huge loss for ARU and Super Rugby,” added a third.
“Losing Carter Gordon hurts,” was another comment. “Had a bright future as long-term Wallabies 10.”
Others were not quite so convinced about the move.
One wrote: “Never heard of him!”
Another stated: “They starting a union team? He know tackling is required?”
One footy fan called Gordon a “poor man’s Ben Hunt”, while another quipped: “He’ll be happy he can grow his mullet back.”
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