Desperate ARU plays hardball in bid to BLOCK the release of Wallabies fly-half to rival NRL side Gold Coast Titans
- The Australian rugby star has signed for the NRL team for the 2025 season
- Struggling Titans hope to secure his services sooner
- ARU is standing in their way because they want him to play for the Wallabies
The Gold Coast Titans are considering signing Carter Gordon to their squad before June 30, but Rugby Australia (RA) is unlikely to grant an early release.
Gordon, who recently signed a two-year deal with the Titans, could still be needed by the Wallabies, according to RA.
In a surprise announcement, the Titans revealed on Wednesday that they had secured Gordon’s services for the next two seasons.
Gordon is the second Wallaby in eight months to move to the NRL, following Mark Nawaqanitase’s switch to the Roosters for 2025-2026.
Gordon played his last game for the Rebels last weekend. With Rugby Australia closing the Super Rugby club, the players are now seeking contracts elsewhere.
Wallaby Carter Gordon has signed a contract with NRL team Gold Coast Titans for the 2025 season
Des Hasler and the Gold Coast Titans are hoping to get Gordon early to help save their 2024 season
Last week, Nawaqanitawase was left out of the Wallabies’ train-on squad, likely due to his impending move to the NRL.
While there have been talks about an early termination of his RA contract, Nawaqanitawase has since started training with the Australian sevens team and could be selected for the Olympics in July.
Likewise, the Titans want Gordon to join them as soon as possible.
Gordon expressed his excitement at his move, citing the positive direction of rugby league.
“I’m excited about the direction rugby league is taking and the positive feeling surrounding the game,” he said.
Sources close to the situation pointed to the Titans’ eagerness to sign Gordon quickly, potentially opening up a spot in their top 30 roster.
Titans coach Des Hasler praised Gordon’s versatility, saying: ‘He’s a big lump. He can play in a number of positions so it will be fascinating to see his transition into rugby league.”
However, RA CEO Phil Waugh has stated that Gordon will not be released early as he remains eligible for Wallabies selection.
Gordon will begin Wallabies training in Melbourne next week, ahead of a Test squad announcement in July by coach Joe Schmidt.
The Titans suffered a huge defeat to the South Sydney Rabbitohs last week and are looking to strengthen their squad
Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh insists Gordon isn’t going anywhere as he could be called up to the Wallabies later this year
Despite being behind Noah Lolesio and Ben Donaldson in terms of selection preference, Gordon is still a potential call-up.
Schmidt’s recent omissions of Nawaqanitawase and other players moving to England suggest a focus on those who will be in Australia for the British and Irish Lions tour in 2025.
Nevertheless, Waugh said test selections are based on current performance, not future commitments.
‘Joe and I have been very clear about that. His selection is made based on players he thinks will win the next Test match, not necessarily what they will commit to in the coming years,” he said.
While RA could save money by releasing Gordon and Nawaqanitawase, they are reluctant to encourage NRL clubs to take more players. Injuries can also quickly change the Wallabies’ team needs.
When asked about Gordon’s departure, Waugh emphasized the need to create a desirable environment in rugby union.
He said RA had offered Gordon a fair deal, including significant earning potential, but acknowledged the challenges of uncertainty in Melbourne and the disappointment of last year’s World Cup.
