The Gold Coast Titans’ Carter Gordon experiment is close to over after the former Wallaby appeared in just one NRL match.
After a degree of fanfare and high expectations for Gordon when the Titans signed him, a back injury hampered much of his season on the Gold Coast.
Unfortunately for the former union star, he will now join a long list of former rugby union standouts who failed to make a mark crossing codes.
The Wallabies have swooped to bring the playmaker back to rugby union, paying the Titans a reported $100,000 transfer fee that is set to ensure he is released immediately, according to Fox Sports.
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The release from his Titans contract will be effective immediately, with Gordon hoping to partake in the upcoming Rugby World Cup.
The Wallabies’ push to secure Gordon is part of a long-term strategy with an eye firmly on the 2027 Rugby World Cup on home soil.
Gordon will return to the 15-man code with the Queensland Reds ahead of the 2026 Super Rugby season and hopes he can put his injury-riddled NRL season behind him.
It ends a short and frustrating stint in rugby league, with Gordon featuring in just one NRL game this season before a spinal injury cut his year short.
His exit frees up money in the Titans’ salary cap, giving new coach Josh Hannay more flexibility to reshape his roster.
The club has already farewelled veteran prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard, with star forward David Fifita also in line to depart as South Sydney circle.
Hannay is determined to give his squad a fresh look and Gordon’s departure is the first of what could be several significant moves.
For Gordon, it marks a return to familiar territory and the chance to reignite his career in the code where he first made his name.