It was confirmed today that Wallabies fly-half Carter Gordon will switch from rugby union to rugby league due to the Melbourne Rebels’ financial crisis. The playmaker, 23, played in the team’s last-ever game last weekend as they were eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs. After 14 years of involvement, the team soon announced their removal from the league.
Gordon has chosen to join the Gold Coast Titans in the NRL, following in the footsteps of players like Mark Nawaqanitawase, despite having choices available to him. Titans Coach Des Hasler expressed his excitement to have Gordon join the team in a statement issued by his new team.
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Carter has demonstrated strong competition in rugby, having represented his nation and participated in the World Cup. However, what really struck me was his willingness to push himself and accept the challenge of learning a new code.He is a confident player with skill. The 23-year-old says he can’t wait to challenge himself in the NRL after moving to the Gold Coast. News for The Daily Rugby
Gordon remarked, “I’m excited about the direction rugby league is taking and the positive vibe around the game.” “At 23, I believe I had to seize this chance right away. “I know this will be a tremendous task, and I have no illusions about it. “The professionalism that the Titans shown throughout our talks truly impressed me. “I’ve enjoyed playing rugby because it’s allowed me to represent my country, which I will always be grateful for.”
Another massive blow to Australian rugby, Gold Coast has pulled off a sensational signing coup with the addition of Wallabies five-eighth Carter Gordon to the team. The 23-year-old, who will play No. 10 for the now-defunct Melbourne Rebels, was a vital component of the Wallabies World Cup team in 2023 and will sign a contract with the Titans until the end of 2026.
Gordon, a Test winger from the NSW Waratahs, will join fellow World Cup standout Mark Nawaqanitawase in the NRL when he signs with the Sydney Roosters next year. Next season, Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i will be playing rugby union instead of rugby league, having played with the Sydney Roosters.
Izaia Perese, a center from NSW, and Josh Kemeny, a potential backrower from Melbourne, were two additional players of the Australian side who made a record departure in the pool phase under Eddie Jones. They have both given up on Australian rugby to play overseas.
Gordon’s addition, according to Titans CEO Steve Mitchell, significantly increased the team’s depth on the wings. The Titans also have Tanah Boyd on their roster, but veteran playmaker Kieran Foran, whose contract expires at the end of this season, is anticipated to sign a new one.
Titans CEO Steve Mitchell told AAP, “It is very exciting for the Gold Coast Titans and very exciting for the game.” “The challenge of competing in the NRL is the next big chapter in his athletic career. He is undoubtedly one of the most exciting young stars in rugby union, both domestically and globally.
“Carter will be a fantastic asset as a utility and spine player. He gets to collaborate with Des Hasler and an amazing team. The fact that a talented current Wallabies player chose to participate in our campaign says a lot about Des and the values of this team.