Carter Gordon makes a bold code-switch back to rugby
Wallabies fly half Carter Gordon is switching codes again, signing a three-year deal with Rugby Australia and the Queensland Reds as the 2027 World Cup looms. The move marks a remarkable return to the sport where he first made his name, after a stint in the NRL with the Gold Coast Titans. Gordon, who has shown versatility across rugby union positions, is entering another high-stakes phase of his athletic career with the Reds, a franchise with deep roots in his home state of Queensland.
From Wallabies cap to NRL grind—and back again
Gordon’s rugby journey saw him earn eight Test caps for the Wallabies in 2023, highlighted by a developing fly-half skill set and a knack for clutch moments. The following year brought a surprising pivot to the NRL, where he joined the Gold Coast Titans. His NRL debut arrived late in the season (round 27), and his time in rugby league was overshadowed by a spinal injury that limited his opportunities to demonstrate his full potential on the football field. Despite having a year left on his Titans contract, Gordon expressed a clear desire to return to rugby, a sign of his enduring passion for the sport that first shaped his career.
The Reds strike a deal and outline implications
The Queensland Reds moved quickly to secure Gordon’s services, announcing an immediate release from his Titans contract and a three-year commitment with RA and the Reds. The formal statement highlighted Gordon’s enthusiasm: “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.”
Reds coach Les Kiss welcomed the signing, describing Gordon as “quality player” who deepens the squad’s options in key positions such as fly-half, fullback, and inside centre. Kiss noted the practical benefits of added depth, especially given the frequent scheduling quirks of Super Rugby Pacific and the demanding travel demands on teams across the season.
Where Gordon fits on a stacked Reds roster
The Reds already boast Wallabies fly-half Tom Lynagh and rising talent Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, placing Gordon in a competitive but potentially flexible position. With Hughes-like versatility, Gordon could line up at inside centre or fullback if the coaching group decides to spread the talent more broadly in 2024 and beyond. The plan is likely to shape a multi-pronged backline where his playmaking abilities can be leveraged in multiple roles, depending on injuries, form, and opposition strategies.
Implications for the Wallabies and Australian rugby
The addition of Gordon to the Reds strengthens the Wallabies’ depth in a critical position ahead of 2027, when Australia hosts the World Cup. Eddie Jones previously gave Gordon his Wallabies debut off the bench in Pretoria in 2023, followed by a start at fly-half in Melbourne. Although Gordon’s return to rugby arrives amid a wider conversation about selection depth, his familiarity with the international stage makes him a valuable asset for Joe Schmidt and then Les Kiss as the national program looks to build a more robust fly-half pipeline.
Gordon’s roots, growth, and next chapters
Gordon’s journey began with the Reds as a 17-year-old, but his first Super Rugby appearance came with the Melbourne Rebels in 2021 after spending time in the Queensland system during his schooling at Brisbane Boys’ College. He left an imprint at the Rebels, where he played 46 matches before the franchise’s exit from the competition. His arc—Reds youth product, Rebels breakout, NRL crossover, and return to the Reds—highlights a rare cross-code versatility that could be a catalyst for both club and country in the coming years.
Looking ahead to 2027
With a three-year deal in place, Gordon will be part of the Reds’ plans as Australia eyes a successful World Cup campaign in 2027. His experience across rugby union’s top competition and his exposure to the game’s evolving tactical landscape position him as a potential late bloomer for the Wallabies, capable of influencing matches in multiple backline roles. The rugby world will be watching closely as Gordon reconnects with the sport he loves and plots a path back to international contention.
