Why Wallabies great believes Gordon is a quality signing by Titans

Australian rugby legend Michael Hooper says he was “disappointed” the code lost Gold Coast Titans signing Carter Gordon to the NRL as the former Wallaby starting his rugby league journey on the weekend.

Gordon played his first game in the Hostplus Cup (Queensland Cup) for Titans feeder side, the Tweed Heads Seagulls, and impressed in the centres.

The former Melbourne Rebels star scored one try, ran for 136m, had two line breaks and a try assist as the Seagulls beat the Western Clydesdales 34-20.

While Hooper’s focus is on the rugby sevens competition as an Olympics commentator for Stan Sport, he said Gordon could make a quality NRL player in the future.

“I don’t think he’s a finished product yet but I was disappointed that he left rugby,” he said on SENQ Mornings.

“I really really think he’s class, he moves well, he’d play in our game either fullback or 10 so I think that he’s a project that if he’s not hitting his straps early, put him with good coaching and some good players around him, I think he can go a long way.”

Gordon was one of two Wallabies stars to recently make the switch to rugby league after Mark Nawaqanitawase signed with he Sydney Roosters.

Hooper, a former Wallabies skipper who played alongside Gordon for Australia, also gave an insight into the skillset he could bring to rugby league.

“I think he’s a real competitor, played a bit against him but been in the jersey alongside him briefly last year as we led into the World Cup,” he said.

“He’s open to learning, has a lot of good skillset towards his game but I’ve never seen him play league, so I’m not sure what position he would play.

“He’s a big body so he’s got a big frame, he’s got a good kick on him… he’s got a good head on his shoulders, I think he’s got the ability to grow as well.”

Gordon signed with the Titans until the end of the 2026 season.