The Gold Coast have completed a shock signing with Wallabies five-eighth Carter Gordon joining the club in another huge blow to Australian rugby. The 23-year-old, who will join the Titans next year until the end of 2026, was a key member of the Wallabies’ 2023 World Cup squad and played the No.10 jersey for the now-defunct Melbourne Renegades.
Gordon will join World Cup star Mark Nawaqanitawase in the NRL next year and sign with the Sydney Roosters from the NSW Waratahs. Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i went in the opposite direction, switching from the Sydney Roosters to rugby league next season.
Led by Eddie Jones, the other two members of the Australian squad – NSW center Izaia Perese and promising Melbourne back-rower Josh Keme Josh Kemeny made a historic exit from the pool competition and also gave up the Australian rugby team to play overseas.
Titans executive Steve Mitchell said Gordon’s signing greatly enhances the club’s half-field depth. Veteran Kieran Foran is out of contract at the end of the year but is expected to sign a new deal, while the Titans also have Tana Boyd.
“It’s very exciting for the Gold Coast Titans and very exciting for the competition,” Titans chief executive Steve Mitchell told AAP. “He can be said to be a great player both here and internationally. One of the most exciting young talents in rugby league and now taking on the challenge of the NRL is the next great chapter in his sporting career.
“As a spine player and versatile player, Carter will be a great addition. He has the opportunity to work with Des Hasler and a good squad. Getting a high-quality current player for the Wallabies That members have decided to join our campaign speaks volumes about what Des is doing and what this club is about.
Mitchell said Gordon played rugby league on the Sunshine Coast as a youngster. Gordon, who made eight appearances for the Wallabies, was a starter under Jones but was removed from the starting line-up midway through the World Cup.
He has been one of the Renegades’ best players and with Rugby Australia taking a financial hit from Super Rugby Pacific, players have been left scrambling to find new homes. Gordon says he can’t wait to switch codes and test himself in the NRL.
“I’m excited about the direction the rugby league is taking and the positive feeling surrounding the game,” Gordon said. “At 23, I feel like I have to take this opportunity now. I have no illusions and understand that it will be a huge challenge.
“I have been so impressed with the Titans and the professionalism they have shown in our conference. I have loved my time at rugby as it has given me the opportunity to represent my country and I will always be grateful for that.
Titans head coach Des Hasler was full of praise for Gordon’s impending arrival.
“Carter excelled in rugby and represented his country in the World Cup,” Hasler said. “What impressed me was his attitude towards testing himself and accepting the challenge of switching to a new code. He is a very skilled player who supports himself.
