Carter Gordon is being considered for a call-up to the Wallabies after a stint in rugby league, according to former Wallabies player Berrick Barnes. Barnes, who now serves as a backs coach for Japan’s Saitama Wild Knights, expressed confidence in Gordon’s potential to contribute to Australia’s success in the upcoming 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Barnes, who worked closely with Gordon during the 2023 Rugby World Cup under coach Eddie Jones, noted that Gordon’s talent is undeniable. “Class is class, that’s why they’re taking him on the Spring Tour,” he stated. While the Wallabies faced a challenging campaign, failing to advance beyond the group stages, Barnes believes the experience gained can serve as a foundation for Gordon’s return to the national team.
After spending a year in rugby league with the Gold Coast Titans, where he played just one game due to a serious neck injury, Gordon is now in contention for selection as the Wallabies head to Europe. However, he is not expected to feature in the upcoming match against Japan on March 9, 2024.
Barnes emphasized that while Gordon may need time to readjust to rugby, the transition back to the sport should not be as daunting as his own experience moving from the Brisbane Broncos to the Queensland Reds. “He showed really good touches in his first couple of Tests,” Barnes observed. “When you get your chance at No. 10, teams work you out pretty quickly. You’ve got to be able to adapt.”
As he prepares for his return, Gordon will face competition from other players, including Tom Lynagh, who is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury. Lynagh was the first-choice five-eighth during the British and Irish Lions series and will not accompany the Test squad. Young talents such as Harry McLaughlin-Phillips and Finn Mackay, the latter of whom shone in a recent match by setting up four tries, will also be vying for key playmaking roles within the Reds.
Barnes remarked on the importance of competition for team dynamics, stating, “At the end of the day, you want competition across spots because it pushes you.” He went on to praise Mackay’s performance, saying, “That’s as good a young 10 performance as I’ve seen from anyone in a long time.”
Reflecting on his own coaching experiences, Barnes noted how his time under Jones has influenced his development as a coach. “It was a great experience and I learned a lot,” he said. “I know it didn’t go to plan, but as a young coach getting the opportunity to work with Eddie in that environment was fantastic.”
As the Reds prepare to face the Wild Knights at Ballymore on March 9, 2024, the anticipation builds for both the players and fans. The Wallabies’ match against Japan will be broadcast on a big screen at the same venue, allowing supporters to witness the unfolding drama of international rugby.
With Gordon’s potential return to the Wallabies on the horizon, the rugby community remains optimistic about his future contributions, particularly as Australia aims for glory in the next Rugby World Cup.
