Wallabies back Reece Hodge believes breakout star Carter Gordon has the tools necessary to step up to International Rugby if called upon by Eddie Jones.
Gordon was one of several uncapped players named in Jones' first Wallabies squad for a training camp in mid-April.
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It is a well-deserved call-up for the 22-year-old, who has been arguably the form playmaker from the Australian sides to start the Super Rugby Pacific season.
“I’m really proud of Carter,” Hodge said to reporters. “He’s been at the club for a couple years now and to see the strides that he’s made his own game, he’s one of the hardest workers.
“He’s a student of the game and has a really good understanding of the game of where to attack whilst putting his body on the line in defence.
“I think just the intent he has played with both sides of the ball has meant he’s deserved his spot in the squad.
“It’s up to him to continue those performances, keep the consistency up and give them no excuse come Rugby Championship and World Cup time.”
Gordon may have only started just a dozen Super Rugby games at ten, however, Hodge is confident strong performances for the Rebels, starting with the Blues on Saturday, will have him primed to take the next step.
“For sure, his performances this year have been awesome,” Hodge said when asked if Gordon can handle a Test call-up.
“He controls the game really well and his option-taking and overall game has been up there with the best playmakers in the competition.
“If he keeps up that standard of play, the guys around him at the Rebels have massive confidence in the way he’s playing at the moment and there's no reason why he can’t step to the next level and do the same thing.
“I know he’ll be narrowing his focus to Super Rugby at the moment and will go from there once the next squad is picked."
