In welcome news for Australian rugby's fly-half stocks, Wallaby Carter Gordon is set to make his long-awaited return to the XV man code, signing a three-year deal with the Queensland Reds.
After two injury-affected years at the Gold Coast Titans, the eight-capped Wallaby fly-half will join the Queensland side effective from this month, and will stay until the end of 2028 - rocketing back up in Wallaby calculations.
Watch every second of the Spring Tour live and on-demand via Stan Sport.
The 24-year-old was one of the best young finds in 2023, making his debut in South Africa earlier in the year and scoring a long-range try, before going on to play in three World Cup matches during the Wallabies' ill-fated campaign in France.
He also played 45 matches for the Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby Pacific, becoming one of the Victorian side's most talented alumni.
A former Australian Schoolboys and Junior Wallabies representative, Gordon was contracted to the Titans for the 2025 season and made his NRL debut last month.
However, his decision to chase the Wallaby playmaker role comes at a critical time for the Wallabies, with Tom Lynagh, Ben Donaldson, Tane Edmed, Noah Lolesio, and James O'Connor having all worn the ten jersey this year.
His decision also follows hot on the heels of fellow Wallaby Mark Nawaqanitawase reportedly leaving rugby league in a bid to play for the Wallabies in 2027.
With Gordon now set to get back into the union set up with future Wallabies head coach Les Kiss to guide him, the young Queenslander couldn't hide his excitement to represent his home state.
“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," Gordon said in an official statement.
“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.”
With Gordon set to add significant options for both Joe Schmidt and Les Kiss at fly-half, the news was also welcomed by Rugby Australia's CEO, Phil Waugh.
“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 Test and Super Rugby at a young age," Horne added in a statement from the governing body.
“Carter’s signing will ensure healthy competition at the Reds and the Wallabies and provide 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.”
"It is great news that Carter has returned to rugby and we look forward to welcoming him back here to the Reds," added Kiss in an official statement.
“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.”
