Wallabies lose young gun as Carter Gordon joins Titans in NRL
Up-and-coming Wallabies star Carter Gordon announced this week that he will be quitting rugby union and heading to the NRL in 2025.
Gordon’s news comes off the back of the Melbourne Rebels being dissolved after the 2024 season, leaving all their players without a club in Super Rugby. There was speculation that Gordon would sign with another Australian Super Rugby side.
However, this week it has been confirmed that the playmaker will spend the next two years with the Gold Coast Titans.
The move is the next in a series of exits from union to league and has resulted in the Wallabies’ 2027 Rugby World Cup odds lengthening even more.
Gordon “excited” with rugby league’s direction
After the Titans released a statement this week confirming the news, Gordon also commented on the change.
“I’m excited with the direction that rugby league is taking and the positive feeling around the game,” he shared.
“At 23, I feel like I had to take this opportunity now. I’m under no illusions and understand that this will be a massive challenge.
“I was really impressed with the Titans and the professionalism they displayed in our meetings.
“I have loved my time with rugby as it’s given me the opportunity to represent my country, which I will always appreciate.”
It seems the feeling is mutual between Gordon and the Titans, with coach Des Hasler also singing the 23-year-old’s praise.
“Carter has competed well in rugby, representing his country and playing at the World Cup,” Hasler remarked on Wednesday.
“What has impressed me is his attitude to test himself and take on the challenge of switching to a new code. He’s a skilful player who backs himself.”
Rugby Australia struggling to keep players
News of Joseph Sua’ali’i’s high-profile switch to rugby union last year briefly gave the illusion that the sport might be back on the rise in Australia.
However, the switch of star winger Mark Nawaqanitawase, and now Gordon, has further confirmed the code’s struggles down under.
Odds for the 2027 Rugby World Cup reflect these concerns. Australia are fifth in line to win the tournament in three years’ time, behind New Zealand ($3.50), South Africa ($4), France ($6) and Ireland ($6).
The Wallabies are now paying $8 with online bookmakers after news of Gordon’s departure, drifting out from $7.50. The flyhalf was earmarked as a crucial part of the nation’s 2027 Rugby World Cup plans.