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Wallabies flyhalf Carter Gordon has announced he will join NRL’s Gold Coast Titans in 2025.
The Melbourne Rebels No.10 has played eight games for the Wallabies and also featured in the World Cup.
Rugby Australia’s decision to ax the Rebels had an immediate impact, with the sport losing one of its brightest lights over the past few seasons.
Uncertainty over the contracts of affected Super Rugby players has prompted the NRL to fight back.
Gordon trained at Rebels headquarters on Wednesday and was due to continue training against the Wallabies, but left in the afternoon to fly to Brisbane.
Gordon will follow World Cup team-mate Mark Nawaqanitawase in switching to rugby league for next season.
The 23-year-old said in a statement he was excited to move to the Gold Coast and test himself in the NRL.
“I’m really excited about the direction rugby league is taking and the positive feeling around the game,” Gordon said.
“Now that I’m 23, I thought I should seize this opportunity.
“I have no illusions and I understand that this will be a huge challenge.
“I was really impressed with the Titans and the professionalism they showed in the conference.
“I absolutely loved my time with rugby as it gave me the opportunity to represent my country. I will always be grateful.”
(Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Titans coach Des Hasler said he is looking forward to working with Gordon next season.
“Carter has done well in rugby, representing his country and playing in the World Cup,” Hasler said.
“What impressed me was his attitude to testing himself and challenging himself to switch to new code.
“He is a skilful player who backs himself up.”
This move further exposes the absolute foolishness of Eddie Jones in refusing to develop No.10 Noah Lolesio in favor of taking Gordon to the World Cup for the future.
Lolesio signed a one-year contract extension with the Brumbies earlier on Wednesday and is considered the frontrunner to reclaim the top 10 spot after being rejected by Jones.
New coach Joe Schmidt was optimistic about Gordon’s links with the NRL when he first emerged earlier this year.
“I spoke to Carter early in the season. “Carter is competing for the Wallabies spot, as are dozens of others,” Schmidt said.
“There are dozens. I thought Tom Lynagh played really well last week, Ben Donaldson did well, and Noah Lolesio has been the most consistent of the kickers. He is definitely a goalscorer.
“One of the things that’s often said is that there are players who may or may not leave, but there are far more cases where they don’t leave than actually leave.
“That’s why I want Carter to stay and join the Wallabies team. But if not, we’ll be happy to work with the next person or whoever we choose for that position.”
