Wallabies: Rugby Australia confirm return of ‘quality player’ after brief rugby league spell

Former Wallabies fly-half Carter Gordon’s brief stint in rugby league is over after it was confirmed that he has signed a new deal with Rugby Australia and the Queensland Reds through until 2028.

The 24-year-old agreed terms on a three-year contract after he left rugby union in 2024 to join NRL outfit the Gold Coast Titans.

Gordon’s 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.

Last month, he made his one and only first team appearance for the Titans in the NRL with his injury, which consisted of a spinal fluid leak, eventually requiring surgery.

Gordon will now return to rugby union with the Reds where he has yearned to play since first signing with the Brisbane-based outfit as schoolboy at the age of 17 in 2018.

During his initial stint with the Reds, Gordon spent three injury-affected seasons at the club, between 2018 and 2020, but did not make any first team appearances during that time and eventually moved to the Melbourne Rebels.

He caught the eye with some fine performances during his time at the Rebels and eventually made 46 appearances for the club and his strong form was rewarded in 2023 when he was picked for the Wallabies.

Became Wallaby number 967 in 2023

Gordon became Wallaby number 967 when he made his Test debut off the replacements bench against the Springboks in Pretoria in 2023 and later that year he went on to make two starts for Australia against the All Blacks and he also made three appearances at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.

With the next World Cup in Australia just two years away, there is plenty of excitement about Gordon’s return to rugby union and the former Australian Schools and U18s representative is looking forward to returning to the 15-a-side code and representing his home state as a Queensland Red.

“I’m stoked to return to the game I grew up playing and loving as a kid, especially with the opportunity to represent the team I grew up supporting, the Queensland Reds,” said Gordon.

Mat Rogers’ advice to Rugby Australia about ex-Wallaby who ‘is an out and out talent’

“I’ve watched both Queensland and the Wallabies from afar over the past year or so, and the journey they’re on motivates me to want to work hard and contribute positively on and off the field.

“I’d also like to thank the Gold Coast Titans for the opportunity to grow as a player and person at their club and for all their support for me and my family over the past 16 months. I wish the players and the staff all the best for what’s ahead.”

Gordon’s ability to take the ball to the line in attack, his distribution skills, stout defence and kicking in general play are all strong assets and prospect of working with the playmaker is one which excites Reds head coach Les Kiss.

“It is great news that Carter has returned to rugby and we look forward to welcoming him back here to the Reds,” he said.

‘A quality player’

“Carter is a quality player who no doubt deepens our playing options in the key positions of flyhalf, fullback and inside centre.

“In every Super Rugby Pacific season, there are challenges with how byes are placed and travel periods. Increasing depth across our squad is definitely helpful.”

Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh said the signing of Gordon boosted the playmaking depth of Australian rugby.

“We are pleased Carter is returning to rugby after excelling as a junior with Sunshine Coast Grammar, Brisbane Boys’ College and Wests in Brisbane before taking the step up to Super Rugby and Test arena at a young age,” he said.

“Carter’s signing will ensure additional healthy competition at the Reds and the Wallabies and provides him with a two-year runway to make his case for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

“Rugby Australia has taken a strategic approach to player contracting this World Cup cycle and we are delighted to bring Carter back into the system.”

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