Meanwhile, former Wallabies playmaker Carter Gordon is on the verge of a return to rugby union after the Gold Coast Titans granted him permission to negotiate with Rugby Australia.
Gordon’s management has been in discussions with the Gold Coast Titans and are keen for him to be released from the final year of his NRL contract so he can join the Queensland Reds.
Incoming Titans coach Josh Hannay has spoken to Gordon over the past two weeks with regards to exploring the potential for a return to the 15-man code with an eye on a home World Cup in 2027.
Carter Gordon at the Rugby World Cup.Credit: Getty Images
The Wallabies are also looking to bolster their playmaking stocks.
Gordon joined the Titans in 2025, but a neck injury contributed him playing just once in the NRL.
Gordon recently took up an option to remain at the Titans in 2026, but his path to playing more NRL matches isn’t straightforward.
His preference is to play in the halves, but sources with knowledge of the situation, talking on the condition of anonymity due to confidentiality, said that Gordon has been informed that his likely route to the NRL will be via the centres, given he is still learning the game.
Cronulla assistant coach Josh Hannay will join the Titans as head coach in 2026.Credit: Mark Evens/Getty Images
The Titans aren’t desperate to release him, but are sensitive to his situation and opened the door for him to meet with the Reds.
The Titans will not release him unless it is on their terms, with the club reluctant to be disadvantaged by such a move.
Gordon joined the Titans amid high expectations, given he’d represented the Wallabies at No.10 in the 2023 World Cup in France.
He then picked up a spinal fluid leak during the NRL preseason, which limited his ability to train. He eventually required surgery. He didn’t make his NRL debut until the final round of the season against the Wests Tigers.
Meanwhile, the Titans have agreed to release prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard from the final two years of his deal to join the London Broncos in the Super League next season.
