Gold Coast Titans hope former Wallabies playmaker Carter Gordon could be a long-term solution at five-eighth, after his first rugby league game in 357 days showed he is on the right track.
The 24-year-old returned following surgery for a spinal fluid leak, taking the field for Titans affiliate Ipswich Jets on Saturday in a 32-12 Queensland Cup win over the Western Clydesdales in Miles.
In his first game back, Gordon played 40 minutes at five-eighth, delivering an inspiring performance that included a try assist, signalling he is ready to make an impact in the NRL.
“Carter was very silky with his attack and had a try assist. It was a really successful comeback for him,” Jets chairman Steve Johnson told AAP.
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The Titans are set to lose veteran playmaker Kieran Foran, who is expected to retire at the end of 2025, with Johnson suggesting that Gordon could be the ideal replacement in the halves for the struggling club.
“When they lose Foz (Foran) next year he is perfect to drop into that Titans side , particularly if they are not also playing a genuine halfback,” Johnson said
“Carter can lay on those sweep balls that Foz would lay on.
“He has a big boot and was getting a lot of distance with it for us. You can see he is a class player. His passing game is really clever and he is a big body at six.
“The Titans would be very pleased with his 40 minutes on return.”
Johnson also highlighted how the Jets were happy to support Gordon’s comeback to the NRL after such a long layoff.
“It is good for us as a club, as part of the Titans system, to be helping their players come back,” Johnson said.
“We are always happy to help get blokes back on their feet.”
With Gordon set to gradually increase his game time in the coming weeks, the Titans will be hoping the former Wallabies star can step into the NRL spotlight and help lift the club from the bottom of the ladder.