Carter Gordon made headlines earlier this month, when he announced he would be taking up a two-year deal with NRL side Gold Coast Titans from 2025.
The former Rebels fly-half made his debut for the Wallabies last year, and was given something of a baptism of fire at the World Cup, where an inexperienced Australia side exited the pool stage for the first time ever.
Talk of his future has intensified after he was left out of new coach Joe Schmidt's Wallabies squad for the July Tests; given the Super Rugby season has finished, there is a real chance Carter Gordon will not play any more rugby for the rest of the year.
This may lead to him and the Titans looking to negotiate an early release of Gordon from his deal with Rugby Australia so he can help the Titans in their quest for the NRL finals, but will he be able to do so?
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Will Carter Gordon join the Titans early?
There have been reports the Titans were looking to secure the services of Gordon earlier than the beginning of his two-year deal beginning next year.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported the Titans were in discussions with Rugby Australia to make this happen, however they were rebuffed, with the organisation insisting the 23-year-old still may be called up by the Wallabies.
Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh told The Sydney Morning Herald selections for the Wallabies squad would be determined by which players were needed for the next test, rather than to those who were committed long-term to rugby union.
Gordon's non-inclusion in the Wallabies squad has cast doubt over these comments; with the Rugby Championship following soon after and a squad of 38 players selected, it appears injury would be the only way Gordon would be picked for the Wallabies side for the rest of the year.
Given Gordon could face the prospect of no professional rugby for the rest of the year, he may angle to bring forward his move to the Titans in order to ensure he gets game time and keeps up his fitness.
Titans coach Des Hasler told media he would be willing to make allowances to include Gordon in their top 30 for the rest of the 2024 season.
"He can play a number of positions, so he’s got that versatility. He can cover a number of positions, so it will be fascinating to watch his transition into rugby league.”
Can Carter Gordon join the Titans early?
Under the current rules, Gordon can secure an early release and join the Titans for the remainder of the 2024 NRL season, however there is not much time left to do this.
The NRL reintroduced the June 30 deadline for signing players in mid-season at the end of last year, scrapping the controversial rule where players were allowed to move until the first Monday in August.
This was done to ensure clubs could not use the extended deadline to offload struggling high-earners, or to sign bigger name players on cheap, short-term deals for the finals campaign.
However, per recent reports from Fox Sports, Gordon has secured an early release from his Rugby Australia contract to join the Titans for the rest of 2024.
It is expected he will be introduced into the side slowly, though the Titans want to get him training with the squad as soon as possible.
Carter Gordon Rugby career, position
Gordon was born and raised in Queensland, and initially signed for the Reds in 2020, however he relocated to the Melbourne Rebels in 2021 before playing a Super Rugby game.
He had a highly impressive 2023 season, scoring seven tries in 13 games at fly-half which saw him named in the Wallabies squad for the 2023 World Cup.
His selection was eye-opening, as he was the only five-eighth to be selected in that World Cup squad, and he played eight times for the Wallabies before being dropped as starting fly-half in Australia's tumultuous World Cup.
His 2024 season was less spectacular, and the Rebels were wound up at the end of the 2024 Super Rugby season due to financial difficulties, leaving players needing to find a new home for 2025.
Will the Titans make the NRL finals?
The Gold Coast Titans would greatly welcome Gordon to their side given their struggles this season, with the side rooted to the bottom of the NRL ladder with just three wins in their first 13 games.
There have been some bright spots, including away triumphs over last season's top four sides New Zealand and the Broncos, but they have lost their last two games to fellow strugglers South Sydney and the Wests Tigers.
They have been affected by injury, with star forward David Fifita being a recent absentee, and they will need to swiftly improve their form if they are to make a charge to the finals.
