Reds debutant Carter Gordon a 'little choir boy' no more

Harry Wilson has dared the Highlanders to run at Carter Gordon in the No.10’s Queensland Reds debut.

The pair will make timely returns from injury in Friday’s Suncorp Stadium clash, the Reds fresh off a bye after an underwhelming defeat to the NSW Waratahs in the Super Rugby Pacific opener.

Gordon will finally run out for the Reds, eight years after signing with the club as a 17-year-old prodigy.

The 25-year-old left Ballymore for a Super Rugby shot with the Melbourne Rebels and was catapulted into the Wallabies’ 2023 World Cup campaign, before a code-switch to Gold Coast in the NRL.

That stay was marred by a serious back injury that led to a spinal fluid leak, Gordon eventually recovering to make his NRL debut before promptly returning to rugby with the Reds.

Minor leg injuries have interrupted the Sunshine Coast talent’s pre-season and forced him out of the 2025 opener, but he’ll wear the No.10 on Friday with fellow Wallabies playmaker Tom Lynagh (hamstring) sidelined for at least another week.

Wilson was happy to play along when asked if Gordon, who now boasts a heavily tattooed arm, had been influenced by his NRL stint.

“I remember him as a little choir boy and he’s come back a new man, Carter,” Wilson laughed.

“But he’s always been strong defensively and played a lot of centres in league. I’ve got no doubt his defence will be a threat for us.

“Normally, people go at that No.10 channel, but I’m not sure people will try to run over him as much.”

Wallabies captain Wilson revealed on Thursday he had managed knee pain through most of last year’s hectic schedule, and there was some relief when the decision was made to operate in January.

“It was something I’ve had to deal with, even though I could manage it well and play some good footy,” the No.8 said.

“But to come back and the way it felt in pre-season, it made sense to get it fixed up for what is another massive year ahead.

“It was a massive year that definitely takes it out of you mentally and physically, but I enjoyed it.”

The Highlanders, powered by wrecking-ball captain Timoci Tavatavanawai, beat the Crusaders in round one before a two-point loss to the Chiefs last weekend.

Josh Nasser, Filipo Daugunu and Kalani Thomas – all capped Wallabies – will return from injuries on the bench for Les Kiss’s side.

Wallabies flanker Fraser McReight will captain the Reds at home for the first time, having led the Australian under-19 world championship side and deputised for an injured Wilson at Test level last year.