Former Wallabies fly-half Carter Gordon is poised for a return to rugby union, following a reported agreement by the NRL’s Gold Coast Titans to release him from his contract a year early. This development, revealed by Code Sports, involves Rugby Australia securing Gordon’s release with a six-figure transfer fee, as corroborated by The Roar.
Gordon, who has been playing in the NRL since 2024, is expected to remain in Queensland, with the Queensland Reds emerging as his likely new team. This potential move was first reported by Michael Chammas of the Sydney Morning Herald earlier this week.
Gordon’s Rugby League Stint
Gordon transitioned to rugby league in 2024, making a name for himself in Queensland’s Hostplus Cup, where he played in the centres and halves. During his tenure with the Tweed Seagulls, he scored five tries, kicked nine goals, and maintained an impressive tackle success rate of approximately 87 percent. Despite a significant back injury sidelining him for much of the year, Gordon made his NRL debut for the Titans in their final-round match against the Wests Tigers, playing in the centres.
Return to Rugby Union
The prospect of Gordon rejoining rugby union has sparked excitement, particularly with the potential of him joining Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies squad for their upcoming Spring Tour. Gordon last played competitive rugby union on June 8, 2024, for the Melbourne Rebels. His experience as the Wallabies’ first-choice fly-half during the 2023 Rugby World Cup under coach Eddie Jones adds a layer of intrigue to his return.
In that World Cup squad, Gordon was accompanied by Ben Donaldson, who also covered the fly-half position. The team also featured Mark Nawaqanitawase, another player who transitioned to rugby league, impressing on the wing.
Comparative Journeys
Nawaqanitawase’s journey mirrors Gordon’s in some respects. After signing with the Sydney Roosters, Nawaqanitawase topped the NRL’s try-scoring charts in the 2025 season. Reports now suggest that he is contemplating a return to rugby union, with potential opportunities in Japanese or French club rugby.
“Is it a shock? Is it a surprise?” questioned Brian Fletcher, a 2002 Sydney Roosters premiership player, on SEN 1170 Drive. “It’s always been mooted that he wanted to go back to rugby, but he should thank the Roosters because how much do you think this previous season has added to his contract?”
Fletcher speculated that Nawaqanitawase might not return to rugby league after 2027, suggesting a future in international rugby, possibly in France, Japan, or England, following the World Cup.
Implications and Future Prospects
The return of players like Gordon and potentially Nawaqanitawase to rugby union highlights the fluid nature of modern professional sports careers, where athletes increasingly move between codes. For Rugby Australia, securing Gordon’s return could bolster the national team’s depth, especially with the next Rugby World Cup on the horizon.
As the rugby union landscape continues to evolve, the potential reintegration of high-caliber players from rugby league could enhance the competitive edge of Australian teams both domestically and internationally. Gordon’s anticipated return to the Queensland Reds and possibly the Wallabies could signal a strategic move to strengthen the squad ahead of upcoming international challenges.
With the rugby world watching closely, Carter Gordon’s next steps will be pivotal in shaping his career and potentially influencing the broader dynamics between rugby union and league in Australia.
