Gordon primed for first taste of NSW rivalry as Waratahs revamp backline

Wed, Mar 11, 2026, 3:06 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
Carter Gordon's 85' Try in the Queensland Reds clash with Brumbies #SuperRugbyPacific

Queensland Reds flyhalf Carter Gordon has watched many Reds-Waratahs clashes but now the Wallaby will get to taste it himself on Saturday.

Gordon missed the opening round defeat to the Waratahs after dealing with injuries throughout pre-season.

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But the former Rebel hasn't missed a beat during his first weeks in the maroon jersey.

This includes scoring the match-winner against the ACT Brumbies last week and wants to make a similar impact against the Waratahs.

“We've still got a lot of things to work on and we know that, so we've got a big weekend ahead against the Waratahs. We're going to fix a few things up after the last two weeks, and obviously, we want to carry that momentum through," Gordon said on Tuesday.

“I'm excited and I think the boys are excited. Obviously, we've versed twice already this year, so we've got another chance to have a crack at it this week

“We've had great crowds at Suncorp against the Waratahs in the past few years and we're looking forward to seeing our home crowd getting behind us again this week."

Reds coach Les Kiss has been boosted by the timely returns of Tim Ryan and Seru Uru, who come straight in for Lachie Anderson and Josh Canham.

As for the Waratahs, coach Dan McKellar has backed Triston Reilly to fill the outside centre void left by Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii's injury.

Suaalii is expected on the sidelines for 6-8 weeks, with Reilly shifting from the wing to partner Joey Walton.

“Triston (Reilly) was always an option to be back-up 13. He’s a very, very good defender for us and his execution is excellent," McKellar said.

"Triston is a good bloke and a really popular member of the team. He just does his role and those players are so important."

As a result, Sid Harvey has been elevated for his debut start, with James Hendren replacing Andrew Kellaway at fullback.

“Sid (Harvey) was probably one of the shining lights from last Friday. He's just got this air of class about him, Sid, both as a footballer and as a human being. He's got time, he’s very composed and doesn't get rattled," McKellar added.

"The Reds have certainly improved and we understand that when they were in Sydney a few weeks ago, they were down a couple of players. They'll be a far greater challenge at Suncorp at the weekend and we know that we need to be significantly better than we were at home last week."

REDS (1-15): Aidan Ross, Josh Nasser, Zane Nonggorr, Seru Uru, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Joe Brial, Fraser McReight (c), Harry Wilson, Louis Werchon, Carter Gordon, Tim Ryan, Isaac Henry, Josh Flook, Filipo Daugunu, Jock Campbell

Replacements: Richie Asiata, George Blake, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Hamish Muller, Vaiuta Latu, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Treyvon Pritchard

WARATAHS (1-15): Tom Lambert, Ethan Dobbins, Daniel Botha, Matt Philip (c), Angus Blyth, Clem Halaholo, Charlie Gamble, Pete Samu, Jake Gordon, Jack Debreczeni, Sid Harvey, Joey Walton, Triston Reilly, Max Jorgensen, James Hendren

Replacements: Ioane Moananu, Isaac Kailea, Siosifa Amone, Miles Amatosero, Leafi Talataina, Teddy Wilson, Lawson Creighton, Harry Potter

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