Another Wallabies star eyes code switch after NRL talks
By Iain Payten and Michael Chammas
Star Wallabies playmaker Carter Gordon is considering a code switch and has held talks with NRL side the Gold Coast Titans, amid uncertainty over the survival of his club, the Melbourne Rebels.
Gordon, who was the sole five-eighth selected by Eddie Jones for last year’s Rugby World Cup after a breakout season, is off contract with the Rebels and Rugby Australia at the end of the season.
With the Rebels in administration and potentially set to be shut down by Rugby Australia next year, Gordon may not have the option to stay in Melbourne so his camp is canvassing options for 2025 and beyond.
One option is a switch to rugby league, and the 23-year-old’s management recently met Titans officials to discuss a potential contract.
Titans sources with knowledge of the discussions, who spoke anonymously because of their confidential nature, confirmed the meeting but said the club isn’t likely to pursue a contract given the eight-cap Wallaby’s asking price of $700,000 a season and his lack of rugby league experience.
Titans coach Des Hasler was aware of the meeting requested by Gordon’s agent, but did not attend.
Wallabies No.10 Carter Gordon ahead of the Rugby World Cup.Credit: Getty
The Titans are searching for playmakers as questions are asked over the credentials of halfback Tanah Boyd and with Kieran Foran heading towards retirement.
Gordon’s rugby agent Anthony Picone confirmed the 23-year-old had genuine interest in making a switch to rugby league, and his management group had been in contact with several NRL clubs. Picone declined to reveal the clubs.
Gordon’s interest in rugby league makes him the latest Wallabies star to look towards the NRL.
Winger Mark Nawaqanitawase shocked many in December by defecting to the Roosters on a two-year-deal starting in 2025, and Queensland and Australia star Jordan Petaia met Dragons coach Shane Flanagan this month about a potential code switch.
Carter Gordon looks to pass at the MCG.Credit: Getty
Gordon is considered a rising talent in Australian rugby. He joined the Queensland Reds academy as a teenager in 2019, before moving to the Rebels and making his Super Rugby debut in 2021.
After finally taking over as the club’s first-choice five-eighth last year, Gordon’s outstanding form led to him being picked for the Wallabies. He made his debut against South Africa off the bench, and two games later was given a starting debut against the All Blacks at a sold-out MCG.
Jones put all his chips on Gordon by naming him as the sole specialist No.10 for the World Cup but, symptomatic of the fumbling campaign, Jones dropped him after Australia lost to Fiji as the Wallabies’ wheels began to fall off.
Gordon played off the bench against Wales and was ruled out of the final game against Portugal with injury, but he will still be among the primary contenders for the Wallabies No.10 role under new coach Joe Schmidt.
Mark Nawaqanitawase will switch to the NRL next year.Credit: Getty
With the British and Irish Lions touring next year and the Rugby World Cup in Australia in 2027, Rugby Australia has opened negotiations with Gordon about a contract extension. It’s highly unlikely he would command $700,000 in Australian rugby.
But where Gordon plays in Super Rugby Pacific is unresolved, with the future of his club, the Rebels, under a major cloud.
The debt-riddled Rebels entered voluntary administration in January, owing more than $22 million, and though the administrators’ report last week recommended creditors back a rescue plan put together by a private consortium – instead of liquidation – the plan requires Rugby Australia to hand back the club’s licence. Rugby Australia officials have not made their position clear but have indicated recently they are unwilling to keep bankrolling the loss-making Rebels.
If the Rebels are shuttered, there is speculation Gordon could return to Queensland.
With a Test-level running and passing game, strong defence and a big boot, Gordon has the raw ingredients for a league switch but no background in the game.
“I played sports kind of around school but I never really took anything as serious as rugby,” Gordon said last year.
“I’ve never really got into rugby league or AFL or anything like that. I played some touch on the side and some summer sports.
“I think, mentality wise, I’ve always pushed towards that [playing for Australia] as my goal.”
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