Les Kiss explains Reds’ No.10 call as Carter Gordon waits on the bench

Queensland Reds coach Les Kiss has explained the decision to start Harry McLaughlin-Phillips at fly-half against the Western Force this week, while Carter Gordon looks to make a difference off the bench in the pre-season trial.

Gordon returned to rugby union ahead of the Wallabies’ 2025 Spring Tour, following a stint in league with the Gold Coast Titans. The code-hopper played one match for the Titans, lining up at centre against the Wests Tigers last year.

Rugby Australia and the Queensland Rugby Union announced on October 12 that Gordon had put pen to paper on a deal. McLaughlin-Phillips, Wallabies fly-half Tom Lynagh, and Flying Fijian Ben Volavola will compete with Gordon for the starting role at the Reds this season.

The Reds have unveiled their first team of 2026, with Gordon among nine Wallabies selected in the extended squad. Matt Faessler, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Hunter Paisami are among the Australian internationals included in the run-on side.

One-Test Wallaby Kalani Thomas will come off the bench with Gordon, as the pair continue to develop their partnership ahead of this year’s Super Rugby Pacific campaign. Kiss has stressed the importance of these combinations as the Reds chase success in 2026.

“James (Martens) is going to start with Harry (in the halves). They’ve been building a combination nicely and we just thought let’s get that going first,” Kiss told reporters.

“Carter (has) slowly but surely worked himself into the system. He’s showing his wares and bringing his experience for sure.

“We’re just going to see a nice blend. Kalani will come off the bench with Carter so we’ll just see how that combination works as well.

“It’s important to try and keep those things rolling over in combinations. I believe those things are really important. Last year, a couple of combinations we couldn’t quite get going. This year, we’ve tried to make sure we’ve strengthened combinations and making sure those things stay together.”

McLaughlin-Phillips has been selected in the 23-man Australia A lineup on two occasions, which included a clash with Japan XV last October. The 21-year-old was also selected to start for the AUNZ Invitational XV against the British & Irish Lions in July 2025.

Heralded as one of the nation’s brightest playmaking prospects, McLaughlin-Phillips has shown signs of promise since debuting at Super Rugby level on February 24, 2024. Deep into pre-season now with the Reds, McLaughlin-Phillips has earned the first shot at the 10 jumper.

“I would like to make sure people understand that it is. There is a lot of graft that Harry’s put into that off-season to try and build different components of our game in a different way and he just keeps stepping up,” Kiss explained.

“I think it’s important that that’s recognised. It is competitive, there’s no doubt that position’s going to be competitive and we will be guided by form and also what combinations are important, who the opposition are at any given time.

“It’s very healthy. In two weeks’ time, we’ll see Ben Volavola also roll out into training more after recovering from a little  knee injury that he had.”

Lynagh was the first-choice 10 at the Reds last season, before starting all three Tests for the Wallabies against the Lions. The 22-year-old featured in one Rugby Championship match, playing 56 minutes against Los Pumas in Townsville.

Noah Lolesio, Ben Donaldson, James O’Connor, Tane Edmed and Gordon also got opportunities at fly-half throughout the international season. Gordon returned to the Test arena against Italy in Udine, scoring a try before leaving the contest during the second term.

“I’ve been really impressed by Carter in terms of the (teamwork) he’s shown. He’s very collaborative, he’s very intelligent in the game and he’s shared that intelligence in growing our complete smarts across the board,” he added.

“He’s worked with Harry, he’s worked with Finn Mackay, our 10 from below who’s also coming through the system, he’s a good 10.

“He’s been impressive across the park in terms of what he’s given to the team but he knows he’s trying to fit, trying to figure out how we do play, and he’s already added value in many ways but mainly for the generosity that he shows to those other 10s.”