Former Melbourne Rebels teammate Jeral Skelton, now a winger for the Canterbury Bulldogs, has voiced strong support for Carter Gordon’s transition to the NRL. Gordon, who previously played rugby union with the Rebels, recently made headlines by switching codes to join the Gold Coast Titans in the NRL under coach Des Hasler. This move was particularly surprising given that Gordon had never played rugby league during his youth, having focused entirely on the 15-man rugby union code.
Gordon’s decision to switch to the NRL came after the unfortunate closure of the Melbourne Rebels, a team that was part of the Super Rugby competition. Despite his background in rugby union, Gordon has always harbored a desire to test himself in the NRL, a dream he is now realizing with the Titans. The transition from union to league is often challenging, but Gordon is determined to make the most of this new opportunity.
In a recent interview with *Zero Tackle*, Skelton shared his confidence in Gordon’s ability to thrive in the NRL. Reflecting on their time together at the Rebels, Skelton praised Gordon’s talent, football intelligence, and versatility. He emphasized that Gordon’s high rugby IQ and skill set make him well-suited for the demands of rugby league.
“I was very close with Carter Gordon. I played with him at Rebels, and he’s a very talented player,” Skelton remarked. “I think he’s going to kill it in rugby league. The way he plays, his footy IQ is outstanding, so he’s going to go really well. If he has the right crowd around him, he’ll do well, but I’m backing Carter Gordon. His kicking game is very good. He’s a very good defender and attacker, so I think he’s going to bring a lot of skills to the rugby league game.”
Gordon’s transition has already seen some early success. After failing to secure a spot with the Wallabies for their recent matches against Wales and Georgia, Rugby Australia granted Gordon permission to switch codes ahead of schedule. He made his debut for the Tweed Seagulls in the QLD Cup, where he showcased his potential in his first game. Gordon scored a try, made 137 running meters, achieved a line break, and provided a try assist, all of which highlighted his potential to address the Titans’ ongoing issues in the halves.
However, Gordon will face stiff competition for a regular spot in the Titans’ lineup next season. The Titans’ roster includes established players like Tanah Boyd, Thomas Weaver, AJ Brimson, Jayden Campbell, and veteran Kieran Foran. Foran, in particular, recently extended his contract for another year, while Brimson and Campbell are committed to the club long-term. Boyd, on the other hand, has just one year remaining on his current deal.
Despite the competition, Skelton remains optimistic about Gordon’s chances, believing that his talent and determination will enable him to succeed in the NRL. As Gordon continues to adapt to the rigors of rugby league, his progress will be closely watched by both fans and experts eager to see how his skills transfer from union to league.
