Last week he left the NRL. Next week Carter Gordon returns to the Wallabies

Carter Gordon's Return to Rugby and the Wallabies' Squad

Carter Gordon has made a triumphant return to Australian rugby after spending 16 months in the National Rugby League (NRL) with the Gold Coast Titans. His re-signing with the sport was confirmed by Rugby Australia on Monday, just 90 minutes before the 24-year-old was named in the 34-man Wallabies’ squad for the five-Test spring tour, which begins next week.

Gordon’s inclusion in the squad came as a surprise, especially considering the absence of rising Wallabies playmaker Tom Lynagh, who was left out for a second consecutive year despite being the starting No.10 during the British and Irish Lions series. Lynagh suffered head and hamstring injuries that kept him out of most of the Wallabies’ Rugby Championship games. Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt explained that the team is taking a “long-term view” and allowing Lynagh to focus on full fitness with Queensland during pre-season.

This decision leaves Gordon and Tane Edmed as the only recognized No.10s in the squad, with England-based James O’Connor as a potential third option during the three-week international window in November. Given this setup, Gordon is likely to be called upon to play against Japan in Tokyo on October 25, marking a fascinating reunion with his former coach, Eddie Jones. Jones gave Gordon his Wallabies debut in 2023 and supported him during the Rugby World Cup, but also dropped him mid-tournament.

Gordon’s switch to rugby league in 2025 came after he was overlooked by Schmidt and joined the Titans in mid-2024. The playmaker faced challenges with injury in rugby league, including a cerebrospinal fluid leak that required corrective surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation period. He returned to action in the Queensland Cup in August and made his NRL debut at centre for the Titans against the Wests Tigers in the last round of the season.

With mutual interest between Rugby Australia (RA) and Gordon about a return to rugby ahead of the 2027 World Cup in Australia, negotiations between the Titans and RA began, leading to a deal. Gordon has signed a three-year contract with RA and Queensland. In a statement, he expressed his excitement about returning to the game he grew up playing and loving as a kid. He mentioned that he has watched both Queensland and the Wallabies from afar over the past year and is motivated to contribute positively on and off the field.

RA reportedly paid a fee to the Titans to secure Gordon’s release, though the exact amount remains unconfirmed. However, it is clear that Gordon is being viewed as a strong candidate to fill the problematic No.10 jersey for the Wallabies in preparation for the 2027 World Cup.

Standing at 95kg and 193cm, Gordon is also being considered as a potential No.12 in the style of Jordie Barrett. He can also play fullback. The Reds, in particular, may see him more as a centre given their current depth at five-eighths for 2026. They already have Lynagh and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips on the books, along with Ben Volavola, who recently signed.

McLaughlin-Phillips is being courted by Waratahs coach Dan McKellar for a move to Sydney. Gordon came through the Reds’ academy but moved to Melbourne in 2021, where he played 46 Super Rugby games for the Rebels. He made his Wallabies debut in 2023 in Pretoria.

“Carter’s signing will ensure additional healthy competition at the Reds and the Wallabies, and provides him with a two-year runway to make his case for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia,” said RA boss Phil Waugh.

New Talent in the Wallabies Squad

In addition to Gordon’s return, several other players could make their Test debuts on the Wallabies’ spring tour. Kalani Thomas and Aidan Ross have been included in the squad after winning call-ups from Schmidt. Thomas has stepped up to replace Nic White and the injured Tate McDermott, while Ross has filled the vacancy left by retired legend James Slipper.

Brandon Paenga-Amosa missed the cut, but Dylan Pietsch has been named after recovering from a broken jaw. Andrew Kellaway has also been included after overcoming a calf injury. Members of the Australia A squad—Matt Faessler, Josh Canham, Pete Samu, and Hamish Stewart—were also named.

Len Ikitau, Tom Hooper, and Will Skelton were not included in the squad but are expected to be called up from their clubs during the international window. Schmidt emphasized that the team is taking a long-term approach with Lynagh, who is still only 22 years old. He has faced injury setbacks since the third test against the Lions in early August and will follow an individualized program to recover fully.