Gordon boosted by ex-Wallabies mate for Titans debut
Joel Gould |
Gold Coast debutant Carter Gordon says the elite displays of former Wallabies teammate Mark Nawaqanitawase have given him belief he can succeed in the NRL.
The 24-year-old will make his long-awaited debut for the Titans in the centres against Wests Tigers on Saturday at Robina after making a full recovery following surgery on a cerebrospinal fluid leak.
Gordon underwent successful surgery in Perth in May under the care of neurosurgeon Dr Arul Bala.
It was three months before he played for the Ipswich Jets in the Queensland Cup, appearing in the halves, but he is a versatile footballer and has also trained in the centres.
Nawaqanitawase has been a revelation for the Sydney Roosters in 2025 and prior to the clash with South Sydney on Friday night had scored 20 tries while showcasing dazzling skills.
Gordon is a different kind of player but also has the nous and all-round game to succeed.
He played with Nawaqanitawase for the Wallabies in 2023 and has not been surprised by the winger’s success.
“I played a lot of rugby with Mark and he is an athlete,” Gordon told AAP.
“I feel like I knew he was always going to do well based on his skill, size, speed and strength. Seeing him go out and play well has been inspirational for me and that is what I aim to do as well.
“He has been unreal. He is just one of those freaks genetically. To see him come across with that confidence, I think he has got better.
“I feel like each code can take from the other. I think Mark has definitely shown that outside backs in union can transition like he has and hopefully I can do the same.”
.A keen student of the game, Gordon did not waste his time while on the NRL sidelines.
“I’ve had a good chance now to learn the game more,” Gordon said.
“Not playing for an extended period doesn’t mean you can’t learn. I’ve been in the team meetings with the boys and watching the sessions and a lot of rugby league games.
“I think that is going to put me in good stead.
“I’ve been able to ID momentum in games. That’s a big one. Momentum swings so much in an NRL game now but I believe you can control that.
“Then there are the ins and outs of the game too such as running lines that I have been trying to get my head around.”
“I am playing in the centres this week and a few things change there in defence and attack. Playing fly-half in union is like playing in the halves for league but it’s run hard and tackle hard for me this week.”
Gordon has put in the hard yards ahead of his debut.
“I was definitely excited,” he said.
“I got told in a team meeting. It was a lot to take in but I am super-keen. I have got my family and friends coming so I can’t wait to get out there.
“I didn’t think I was going to be able to get any games in this year but I got a few in with Ipswich. It has been a big year. I’ve put a lot of hard work in.”
AAP
