Ex-Aussie code hopper slams rugby’s ‘inept administration’ after Carter Gordon’s switch
Wallabies fly-half and fellow code hopper Mat Rogers.
Dual code international Mat Rogers has hit out at Rugby Australia’s administration after Wallabies playmaker Carter Gordon opted to make the switch from rugby union to rugby league earlier this week.
Gordon chose to join NRL outfit the Gold Coast Titans on a two-year contract and is the second Wallaby to go down that route after it was announced at the end of last year that Waratahs flyer Mark Nawaqanitawase will also be furthering his career at the Sydney Roosters in 2025.
Part of Wallabies’ 2023 World Cup squad
The duo were part of Australia‘s squad at last year’s Rugby World Cup in France and with both aged 23, they were viewed as players who could be playing for the Wallabies for several years to come.
Gordon‘s services were in demand after his Super Rugby Pacific club, the Melbourne Rebels, were axed by Rugby Australia after the governing body refused to accept a bid from a private consortium to rescue the franchise.
And Rogers, who made 45 Test appearances for Australia in rugby union and 11 in league, did not hold back when asked whether Gordon had been let down by the 15-man code, saying it is something which has been coming in the game for a long time already.
“Twenty years of inept administration put the game into the position it’s in and forced people’s hand to try to find a quick fix,” he told Nine’s Wide World of Sports.
“So the right place, wrong time if that makes sense. Like he was the man (as the Wallabies 10), but it was the wrong time to be that man.
“And it’s unfortunate because it might have left a bitter taste in his mouth. But look, he’s a star. I mean, there’s no question.”
Rogers, who initially played for the Cronulla Sharks in the NRL before switching to union, represented the Gold Coast Titans upon his return to the 13-man code and he believes Gordon will do well at his former club.
“He’ll be a bloody good rugby league player,” he said.
“A great running game, a bit Matt Burton (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and Australia player) like, a great kicking game, great hands. He’s going to have to learn a little bit and get fitter and stronger because it’s a bit of a different game.
“But I’ve got total faith that he’ll make it.”
Rogers, who played for the Waratahs at club level during his rugby union stint, believes Gordon will initially struggle with the physical demands of rugby league but expects him to eventually be successful in his new code.
‘He’ll be great for the Titans’
“That part will shock him, I’ve got no doubt but once he finds his feet, I think he’ll be great for the Titans,” added the 48-year-old.
Meanwhile, formers Wallabies and Waratahs back-row Stephen Hoiles expressed his disappointment with Gordon’s decision to leave union.
“It is disappointing for the game of rugby because it’s not a position we’re completely flushed with depth in,” Hoiles told Stan Sport.
“We’re not certain who the best 10 in Australian rugby is. His name would have been there or thereabouts when they’re picking the best 10 in the next couple of weeks.
“So it is a blow for the game – no sugar coating it. It’s disappointing.”
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