The iSelect Titans exciting winger Kevin Gordon has committed himself to the club for a further three seasons on the eve of the 2014 NRL campaign.
Gordon, 24, originally from Sawtell on the NSW North Coast but one of the Titans’ first teenage signings with fellow utility back David Mead, has agreed to a new contract for the 2015-17 seasons which will make him a nine-season Gold Coast player, although he did not make his NRL debut until 2009.
He has another milestone within closer reach as well – he is just six games away from 100 first grade appearances, which would make him just the 10th Titans player to reach the century mark.
“I’m really happy to be staying at the club I started with, and showing loyalty to the Titans who have always been good to me is important to me,” said Gordon.
“I’d like to be a one-club NRL player; in my junior days I only played for one club too - the Sawtell Panthers.
“I’m only a few games away from 100 NRL games for the Titans and that’s a pretty special milestone, especially seeing I have been here from the start and only nine other players have achieved that. Hopefully I can play a lot more games.
“That’s one of the reasons I want to stay; to leave a legacy for other players who will hopefully follow and come through the system from a young age and remain long-term with the club.”
Gordon was recruited as a 16-year-old before the Titans’ first season of 2007 and starred in the under-20s in 2008, scoring 21 tries in 21 appearances. He made his NRL debut the following year (round 3 v Canterbury) and has become one of the fans’ favourites with his athleticism and speed on the wing, or centre or fullback.
Yet he acknowledges there is more depth, and thus pressure for positions in the outside backs with Mead, Brad Tighe, Maurice Blair, Siuatonga Likiliki, Kailifa Faifai Loa, Anthony Don, Jamie Dowling and Steve Michaels all in the mix.
iSelect Titans coach John Cartwright was delighted to have the 24-year-old commit for another three seasons, adding further stability to a squad that has a superb mix of youth and experience.
“Kevin has been with us from the start, we regard him as a Gold Coast local, and his best playing days should be ahead of him,” said Cartwright. “It’s important that we retain players like him who we have brought through the system.
“He has exceptional athleticism as he has often showed and is a real crowd favourite up here and is an important part of our side.”
