Code-hopper Carter Gordon reflects on promising Wallabies return

Carter Gordon picked up “a little niggle” during the Wallabies’ 26-19 Quilter Nations Series defeat to Italy, but the code-hopper doesn’t expect to spend any more time on the sidelines, giving a positive update on the injury post-game.

After signing a deal with Rugby Australia and the Queensland Reds, Gordon had to wait a few weeks to return to the international arena, with reports suggesting the fly-half would’ve faced Japan or England if it hadn’t been for a quad injury.

Tane Edmed retained the starting role instead, while Western Force midfielder Hamish Stewart provided some playmaking cover off the pine. Edmed shifted to the bench for the clash with the Azzurri, while Gordon was named in the run-on side – two years on from the Rugby World Cup.

Gordon hadn’t played for the Wallabies since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, having left rugby union for an opportunity in the NRL after the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season. The eight-Test Wallaby didn’t look out of place back in Test rugby, even standing out on a tough night for the team.

Gordon made a stunning break up the field in the 15^th minute, running through a giant gap before a wide pass to Paris Olympian Corey Toole on the wing. In the second half, the 24-year-old showcased individual flair to score a crucial try.

“I felt good. I loved every minute out there. Obviously, the result isn’t what we wanted but super happy to be back playing with the boys,” Gordon said post-game on Stan Sport.

“I’ve been the camp or in the squad for a few weeks now and they’ve really taken me under their arm and gotten me up to speed.

“I’m obviously super grateful to be back playing with these boys again.”

Gordon had been steering the ship well for the Wallabies before disaster struck. The pivot picked up an injury with a clearance kick for touch in the 55^th minute, which saw Edmed come off the pine as a replacement.

Fans watched Gordon in the background of the broadcast reach for his quad before limping a bit, making this a real concern for the team ahead of two more Autumn internationals against Ireland and France in the coming weeks.

“Yeah, just a little niggle. Just being on the safe side with it,” Gordon explained.

“Been nursing it for a few weeks now and just felt it a little bit there on that last kick but it should be all good to go.”

After Gordon’s effort in the 50^th minute, Louis Lynagh and Monty Ioane scored two quick tries for Italy, who led by seven with a quarter of the match to play. Australia had their chances but literally couldn’t quite get over the line – with Billy Pollard almost scoring a try

The Wallabies have played 13 Test matches this year and had another two to go before their 2025 campaign comes to an end. They’ll face Ireland this weekend at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, before their season finale against France.

“The boys are going to be hurting after that so it’s important that we come together as a group,” he added.

“We’re going back to the drawing board, work out what we did well, what we did wrong.

“We’ve got two big Test matches coming up and they’re super important for us so we need to come out two-from-two with those.”