Returning Wallabies star admits he has ‘a lot to learn’ on rugby union return after leaving ‘a bit on the table’ before swapping codes
Wallabies playmaker Carter Gordon and head coach Joe Schmidt (inset).
Recalled Wallabies fly-half Carter Gordon has spoken for the first time since making his return to rugby union and revealed he has unfinished business in the international arena.
Earlier this week, it was confirmed that Gordon agreed terms on a three-year contract with Rugby Australia and the Queensland Reds through until 2028.
Despite last playing the 15-a-side code more than 18 months ago, Gordon was parachuted into Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt‘s 34-man squad for their end-of-year tour.
He made his Test debut against the Springboks in Pretoria in 2023 and went on to win eight Wallabies caps before making the switch to rugby league, which is covered by platforms such as First.
Forgetful stint in the NRL
However, his stint with the Titans was a forgetful one as he battled an ongoing neck injury, which halted his progression in the 13-a-side game.
The Wallabies are set to take on Japan, England, Italy, Ireland and France in their upcoming Tests, and Gordon is keen to impress ahead of their tour opener against the Brave Blossoms in Tokyo on October 25.
“I think I was 22 when I last played for the Wallabies at the World Cup and just had one season there, so, yeah look, I felt like I left a bit on the table and that was eating away at me,” Gordon told reporters on Friday.
“So the opportunity to come back came up and yeah, very excited to be able to take it and get back on board.
“I’m just taking it day by day at the moment. Obviously, I’ve got a lot to work on, a lot to learn over the next few days.
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“Honestly, I felt better out there than I thought I was going to feel first session back, so that’s good. I had a little run with the Reds on Monday night, so getting back into that team stuff is awesome.
“You can see what the team is building and from where it was to where it is now in the short period, it’s taken a big step forward. So I’m definitely keen to be on board and keep growing in that momentum.
“I’ll keep learning off Joe and off Tane [Edmed] … if that chance comes [to play] then I’m stoked to be able to do it again.”
One of only two recognised fly-halves in Wallabies squad
The former Melbourne Rebels playmaker and Edmed are the only recognised fly-halves included in Schmidt’s squad, as Tom Lynagh is currently injured, while James O’Connor is unavailable, although Ben Donaldson will also be in Japan as he is part of the Australia A squad.
Schmidt revealed that Donaldson was already locked into touring with Australia A before Gordon’s signing was confirmed and felt there was “no point in delaying” the latter’s return.
“We have Ben Donaldson up there… but Carter being the 10 in the squad, there’s a pretty good chance that he may be involved. It just felt like the right time to get him in and kind of recalibrate him,” said the experienced coach.
“It’s given us a chance to have a few conversations with him, for him to match up with a couple of the players and get an idea of how we try to shape our game.
“What struck me about him when he was playing for the Rebels, he’s certainly brave enough, he’s not going to hold back and he’s going to throw himself straight in there, so I didn’t see any hesitation today whatsoever, albeit not on a full contact day at all.”
