‘We’re chasing success’: Gordon on Reds’ ‘stacked’ fly-half battle

Carter Gordon is embracing the fierce battle for the starting spot at the Queensland Reds ahead of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, with three representative fly-halves also in the running for the No. 10 jersey.

Gordon signed with Rugby Australia and the Queensland Rugby Union before the Wallabies departed for their Spring Tour. The Wallaby returned to the Test arena for the first time since Men’s Rugby World Cup 2023 when Australia faced Italy in Udine.

Injury prevented Gordon from suiting up in other Spring Tour fixtures, but the playmaker is raring to go ahead of Super Rugby. The code-hopper is by no means a guarantee to start for the Reds, though, with a “stacked” squad giving coach Les Kiss some tough selection calls to make.

Tom Lynagh started all three Lions Series matches for the Wallabies as the first-choice 10, before the playmaker’s season was cut short during The Rugby Championship. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips recently represented Australia A and is also in Queensland’s squad.

Another big-name recruit for the Reds is Flying Fijians first-five Ben Volavola, who could become eligible for the Wallabies within the next 12 months. Gordon’s primary position is fly-half, but the former Gold Coast Titan has kept the door open for a change if that’s what Kiss wants.

“It is stacked and the rest of the team is stacked as well. It’s exciting,” Gordon told reporters in Brisbane this week.

“Competition’s always good, regardless of what position you play, you always want to have a couple of boys working hard for that role because we all push each other and it’s better, not just for the individual but for the team as well.

“That’s what we’re chasing, we’re chasing success in every area.

“I love playing 10 and that’s the position I want to play but whatever’s best for the team,” he added.

“I’ll follow Les [Kiss] in so whatever he wants then I’m happy to do whatever.”

Gordon debuted for the Wallabies ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup and quickly became the team’s first-choice No. 10 under coach Eddie Jones. The Queenslander made three appearances during the tournament, including starts against Georgia and Fiji.

Two years on, Gordon made a headline-grabbing return to the international rugby arena when the Wallabies faced Italy during the Quilter Nations Series. The 24-year-old scored a try during a 54-minute shift before he was replaced.

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt used several fly-halves during the team’s 15-Test international season in 2025, starting with Noah Lolesio against Japan. Lynagh, Ben Donaldson, James O’Connor and Tane Edmed also had their chances to impress.

“It was massive. Just getting back in with the boys and getting familiar with the coaches and the systems and how everyone’s operating was massive for me,” Gordon reflected.

“I didn’t get to play too much, just got the one game, but I pretty much got to train the whole tour and that was massive for me, just getting back in, reigniting everything.

“I think it’s put me in a good spot moving into ’26.”