Former Wallabies star Carter Gordon has set his sights on a beginning Gold Coast halves spot as he leans on twin worldwide Mat Rogers for steering with the transition.
Gordon, 23, performed eight Checks for the Wallabies, going into the 2023 Rugby World Cup because the beginning 5 eighth, earlier than signing with the Titans in June and following within the footsteps of Rogers.
The Rogers story is an excellent information and inspiration for Gordon as he embarks on the subsequent chapter in his profession.
The person generally known as “Rat” made his title initially in rugby league the place he represented Australia and Queensland earlier than transitioning to rugby union and taking part in 45 Checks at centre, 5 eighth and fullback.
Rogers returned to the NRL and performed 4 seasons with the Titans, principally at centre and No.6. They’re the positions Gordon will probably play.
“Mat is somebody I’ll look to quite a bit,” Gordon mentioned.
“He’s a mentor and just about I’m taking the identical steps as him. He’s somebody I’ll draw on for data. He’s going to be an enormous a part of the foreseeable future for me.”
Gordon was spectacular in 4 video games within the Queensland Cup for Tweed Heads in 2024 and he scored 4 tries whereas taking part in centre and five-eighth.
He has a protracted, precision cross and a booming boot. He’s additionally, at 189cm and 93kg, an enormous physique.
It’s the No.6 jersey he has his sights on.
“I actually get pleasure from ball taking part in. That could be a energy I had in rugby union and that’s one thing I wish to convey throughout to rugby league,” he mentioned.
“I like taking the ball into the road. I don’t thoughts taking part in centre and it will likely be all about the place (coach) Des Hasler sees my greatest match, however halves is the place I wish to play.
“It’ll be about how shortly I rise up to hurry with my sport and physique. I wish to play NRL subsequent yr and be mentally and bodily prepared. It is going to be as much as the coaches whether or not they assume I’m.”
Rogers has little question Gordon could make a profitable transition.
“I known as a few Carter’s rugby video games for Stan (Sport) from the sideline and I used to be actually impressed along with his working sport and his capability to take the ball to the road and discover the suitable particular person in assist,” Rogers advised AAP.
“They’re attributes that switch to rugby league. It’s nearly him understanding spacing and numbers however in time I believe he might be an amazing asset to the Titans.
Carter Gordon. (Photograph by Warren Little/Getty Pictures)
“I’ve watched him play within the Q Cup and he has achieved nicely. When he strikes into the halves he has acquired Kieran Foran to assist him and Des Hasler, his coach, was one of many nice halfbacks.”
Gordon has no intention of failing after making the code swap.
“I used to be at all times intrigued by the sport. It runs within the household,” he mentioned.
“My outdated man and grandad performed and that’s all we watched rising up.
“I went to a personal faculty and was within the union system all the way in which rising up however at the back of my thoughts was to get an opportunity to play rugby league.
“I’m 23 and younger sufficient to transition and get my foot within the door. It’ll take plenty of work and I’m prepared for that.”
The Titans will put on a brand new strip subsequent yr and the design is a nod to the 2010 workforce that made the preliminary closing, of which Rogers was a member.
© AAP
