But with mutual interest between RA and Gordon about a return to rugby before the 2027 World Cup in Australia, negotiations between the Titans and RA opened, and a deal was soon struck. He has signed a three-year deal with RA and Queensland.
“I’m stoked to return to the game I grew up playing and loving as a kid,” Gordon said in a release.
Carter Gordon playing for the Titans against the Tigers.Credit: NRL Photos
“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.”
RA paid a fee to the Titans to secure Gordon’s release, according to a source familiar with the arrangement. Reports say it was $100,000, but RA and the Titans have not confirmed the terms.
What is clear from the news of Gordon’s recruitment, however, is that the former Melbourne Rebel is being looked at as a strong candidate to fill the problematic No.10 jersey for the Wallabies for the World Cup.
With a 95kg and 193cm frame, Gordon is also being considered as a potential No.12 in the mould of Jordie Barrett. He can also play fullback.
The Reds, in particular, may view Gordon more as a centre given they are stacked with five-eighths for 2026. They have Lynagh and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips already on the books. Former Fiji Test pivot Ben Volavola also recently signed.
McLaughlin-Phillips is being courted by Waratahs coach Dan McKellar, however, about a move to Sydney.
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Gordon came through the Reds’ academy but moved to Melbourne in 2021 and played 46 Super Rugby games for the Rebels. He made his debut for the Wallabies in 2023 in Pretoria.
“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,” RA boss Phil Waugh said.
Meanwhile, Reds halfback Kalani Thomas and prop Aidan Ross could make their Test debuts on the Wallabies’ spring tour after winning call-ups from Schmidt.
Thomas has stepped up to replace Nic White and the injured Tate McDermott, while Ross has moved into the vacancy left by retired legend James Slipper.
Brandon Paenga-Amosa missed the cut. Dylan Pietsch has been named after recovering from a broken jaw, and Andrew Kellaway has overcome a calf injury. Australia A squad members Matt Faessler, Josh Canham, Pete Samu, and Hamish Stewart were also named.
Len Ikitau, Tom Hooper and Will Skelton were not named, but will be called up from their clubs in the international window.
Schmidt said in a statement: “We’ve taken a long-term view with Tom Lynagh, who is still just 22-years-old. He has had a few injury frustrations since the third test versus the Lions in early August and will follow an individualised program, guided by both Wallabies and Queensland staff, which will allow him to recover to full fitness.”
