Wallaby Carter Gordon returns to rugby union after NRL stint

Code-hopper Carter Gordon has officially returned to rugby union, with Rugby Australia and the Queensland Reds confirming the signing of the playmaker through to the end of 2028, effective from this month.

It was reported last week by multiple outlets that Gordon was expected to make an immediate return to the 15-player game, having been under contract with NRL side the Gold Coast Titans since leaving the code in 2024.

Gordon made eight appearances for the Wallabies under former coach Eddie Jones, emerging as the nation’s first-choice fly-half ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, while Ben Donaldson also provided cover in the position during that tournament.

The 24-year-old also made 45 Super Rugby appearances for the Melbourne Rebels before taking up an opportunity in the NRL with the Titans. Gordon debuted for the Gold Coast club during their final-round clash with the Wests Tigers in September.

Gordon was a standout for Brisbane Boys’ College as a schoolboy rugby prodigy, representing the Australia Schoolboys and Junior Wallabies, having come through junior pathways in Queensland before graduating into senior rugby.

“I’m stoked to return to the game I grew up playing and loving as a kid, especially with the opportunity to represent the team I grew up supporting, the Queensland Reds.

“I’ve watched both Queensland and the Wallabies from afar over the past year or so, and the journey they’re on motivates me to want to work hard and contribute positively on and off the field.

“I’d also like to thank the Gold Coast Titans for the opportunity to grow as a player and person at their club and for all their support for me and my family over the past 16 months.  I wish the players and the staff all the best for what’s ahead.”

Gordon scored a try on debut for the Wallabies, coming off the bench in a Test away to eventual World Cup winners the Springboks in 2023. The fly-half was again named as a replacement against Los Pumas before stepping into the run-on side for the first time.

Coach Jones handed Gordon a maiden Test start against the All Blacks at the MCG, wearing the No. 10 jersey in front of 80,000 supporters. Gordon started again the following week in Dunedin and again away to France ahead of the World Cup.

Gordon made three appearances at the showpiece event, starting against Georgia and Fiji before coming off the bench against Wales in Lyon. Two years later, Gordon returns to rugby union as a potentially key figure for the Wallabies moving forward.

“We are pleased Carter is returning to rugby after excelling as a junior with Sunshine Coast Grammar, Brisbane Boys’ College and Wests in Brisbane before taking the step up to Super Rugby and Test arena at a young age,” Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh explained.

“Carter’s signing will ensure additional healthy competition at the Reds and the Wallabies and provides him with a two-year runway to make his case for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

“Rugby Australia has taken a strategic approach to player contracting this World Cup cycle and we are delighted to bring Carter back into the system.”

Queensland Reds coach Les Kiss added: “It is great news that Carter has returned to rugby and we look forward to welcoming him back here to the Reds.

“Carter is a quality player who no doubt deepens our playing options in the key positions of flyhalf, fullback and inside centre.

“In every Super Rugby Pacific season, there are challenges with how byes are placed and travel periods. Increasing depth across our squad is definitely helpful.”