Gold Coast Titans recruit Carter Gordon in hospital with mystery back issue after Wallabies code-swap

Former Wallabies flyhalf Carter Gordon’s code swap from rugby to the NRL will have to wait as he recovers from a back injury in hospital.

The 24-year-old has been ruled out indefinitely with a back problem, the severity of which is yet to be determined, it is understood.

Gold Coast are sweating on the results of scans and further tests.

Until then, it’s unlikely Gordon will be considered for the start of the 2025 season.

He has already been ruled out for the pre-season trial matches.

While the Titans remain unsure when their exciting recruit will be back in action, they are not worried about his long-term future.

“Carter has a back complaint and will continue to be monitored,” the club said in a statement.

“It’s expected he will miss a bit of footy at the start of the season, but we expect him back at some point soon.”

Gordon was a shock selection as the only specialist No.10 in Australia’s rugby World Cup squad in 2023 before sensationally quitting the code to join Gold Coast.

He had an encouraging start in the halves for Queensland Cup outfit Tweed last year.

Gordon had been firming for a spot in the halves and backline for coach Des Hasler, who is now more likely to look towards AJ Brimson and Jayden Campbell.

New Zealander Test star Keano Kini will play fullback.

Gordon’s brother Mason, meantime, admitted last month his football future was a coin flip at one stage when he was strongly considering following Carter to rugby league.

Gordon is back at Ballymore after four seasons at the Melbourne Rebels, where he played four Super Rugby Pacific games last season before the club’s demise.

Mason, 21, will make his own selection case for the Reds in their European tour fixture against Bristol on Saturday (AEST) after impressing in off-season auditions against Wales and Japanese club Wild Knights and signing a one-year deal.

He is eyeing a utility role off the bench, able to deputise for fullback Jock Campbell or fill in at No.10 or in the centres if required.

But Gordon, who returned to play for Brisbane club Wests during his time at the Rebels, told AAP his Ballymore move was anything but inevitable.

“It was pretty interesting at one stage, it could have gone either way,” the former Australian under-20s fullback said of potentially following his brother from the Rebels to the NRL.

“I’m so fortunate to be here now; I got in touch with (Reds coach) Les Kiss and we sort of just made things happen.

“But I was up in a grey area for a long time actually, it was pretty stressful.

“(Carter) has gone down that path; it’s exciting for him and we have a lot more to chat about because we aren’t playing the same stuff.

“He likes to know what’s happening here and has a lot of close mates, so we’re always chatting.”

- With AAP