Carter Gordon is ‘on the verge’ of securing a return to rugby union ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup after being granted permission to speak with Rugby Australia.
Gordon was the go-to number 10 choice for Eddie Jones during the 2023 Rugby World Cup, but has not represented the Wallabies under Joe Schmidt after making the code switch in 2025, signing with the Gold Coast Titans.
Carter Gordon lined up by Reds
His move to league has been far from successful, playing just once for the Titans after he picked up a spinal fluid leak during the NRL pre-season.
This limited his ability to train and eventually required surgery, meaning that his sole appearance for the side came in the final round of the season against the Wests Tigers.
According to a report by the Sydney Morning Herald, incoming Titans coach Josh Hannay has spoken to the former Wallaby about his future and the possibility of exploring a return to the 15-man code with an eye on a home World Cup in 2027.
The 24-year-old recently took up an option to remain at the Titans in 2026, but an agreement could be struck to secure his release and return to union, as his path to playing more NRL matches is not straightforward.
Gordon is eager to play in the halves, but SMH sources state that he has been informed that his likely route to the NRL will be via the centres, given he is still learning the game.
While the Titans are open to the idea of releasing the former Melbourne Rebels star back to union, the report states that they aren’t ‘desperate’ to do so but are sensitive to his situation, allowing him to meet with the Queensland Reds. The report adds that the Titans will not release him unless it is on their terms, with the club reluctant to be disadvantaged by such a move.
Gordon’s return to union could be a significant boost for the Wallabies as they continue to build towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Noah Lolesio was Schmidt’s first-choice fly-half last year, but the Brumbies star sustained a gutting injury that ruled him out of the British and Irish Lions series and the Rugby Championship.
Tom Lynagh was handed the playmaking duties during the Lions series but has had his struggles with injuries, which limited his involvement during the Rugby Championship, with James O’Connor and Tane Edmed filling his void.
O’Connor shone in the historic victory over the Springboks at Ellis Park and had flashes of brilliance throughout the tournament, but will join English PREM Rugby club Leicester Tigers, which will limit his availability to the Wallabies. At 35 years old, he is also in the twilight of his career.
Ex-Wallabies star to end NRL stint and return to rugby union ahead of 2027 Rugby World Cup – report
Tane Edmed struggles
As for Edmed, he earned just his second start against the All Blacks in the final round of the Rugby Championship and produced an uninspiring performance that led former Wallaby Quade Cooper to state that he is not Test standard.
“My thing with the Wallabies game is simple. We have such a talented team now but watching it I’m not sure I’m super clear on the system or shape we are playing? It’s hard to understand. Their system is non-existent which puts them in bad positions which creates chaos and chaos breeds uncertainty and uncertainty = bad decisions and bad decisions result in turnovers, penalties etc,” he wrote on social media platform X after Australia’s defeat to the All Blacks.
“So for me is he [Tane Edmed] a good player yeah he’s ok but is he a test match 10? I’m my opinion no. Does that mean he can’t be in time..”
This led Cooper to suggest that Rugby Australia should be attempting to get Gordon back to union.
“The player we should be targeting to get back is Carter Gordan. With good coaching systems now in place he would absolutely flourish and using the depth of Ben Donaldson, Tom Lynagh and old head James O’Connor,” he added.
He further clarified: “Just for the news outlets – it wasn’t a brutal swipe at Tane Edmed, I just don’t think he should be playing test match rugby for Australia right now. If he’s the best that we have in the most pivotal position in the game in all of Australia. Tell me one top tier country he could replace their top 2 10s?”
Cooper later apologised to Edmed for his remarks.
“As for Tane. I would like to apologize. I’ve been in that position, I know how tough it is. I don’t ever want to be one of those ex-players who just sit on the sidelines throwing shade. I’d rather offer perspective and encouragement than add to the noise. ”