Wallabies flyhalf Carter Gordon has announced he’s joining NRL’s Gold Coast Titans in 2025.
The Melbourne Rebels No.10 played eight times for the Wallabies and was picked for the World Cup.
The decision by Rugby Australia to axe the Rebels has had an immediate impact with the sport losing one of it’s brightest lights of the past few seasons.
The uncertainty around contracts for those affected Super Rugby players has allowed NRL to pounce.
Gordon follows World Cup teammate Mark Nawaqanitawase is defecting to rugby league for next season.
In a statement the 23-year-old said he was excited to move to the Gold Coast and test himself in the NRL.
“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.
“I’ve loved my time with rugby as it’s given me the opportunity to represent my country which I’ll always appreciate.”
(Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Titans Coach Des Hasler said he was 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 skillful player who backs himself.”
The move further exposes the absolute folly of Eddie Jones who spurned developing No.10 Noah Lolesio to take Gordon to the World Cup in a bid to develop him for the future.
Lolesio signed a one-year extension with the Brumbies earlier on Wednesday and is considered the front runner to win back the No.10 after being snubbed by Jones.
New coach Joe Schmidt was sanguine about the Gordon to NRL links when they first emerged earlier this year.
“I had a chat with Carter, much earlier in the season. One of the things Carter is competing for a Wallaby spot, just like a number of the other tens,” Schmidt said.
“There are a number of tens; Tom Lynagh did really well last week I thought, Ben Donaldson’s been going well, and Noah Lolesio is the most consistent of the kickers, certainly at goal.
“One of the things about having players who may or may not leave, and while it’s written about often, it’s a lot more often may not leave, than actually end up leaving.
“So I’d love Carter to stay and to be in the mix for the Wallabies. But if he doesn’t, then I’m excited about working with the next guy, or whoever we do select in that position.”