Fullback Michael Gordon's beloved Tweed Coast Raiders have a big weekend ahead as they take on the Ballina Seagulls in the Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League First Grade Grand Final.
The 34-year old has one more year to run on his Gold Coast Titans contract but made the promise years ago to have one last season with the Raiders once his NRL career is over. Gordon doesn't yet know when that time may come but is excited for his mates and the town who get to make the trip south this weekend.
"That's the plan (to play one more year of NRL), everyone keeps telling me these stories," Gordon said about future.
"I have committed to the Raiders, the Tweed Coast Raiders that is when my career is over. The boys are playing in their first ever Grand Final this weekend and they are my junior team.
After the success the Raiders have had this year, the question was posed as to whether the Tweed based side need the experience of a 200-plus NRL player?
"No, they don't, they're going well. It's good to see all the young guys I grew up with come back. It's just their third year back in (first grade) and they're in the Grand Final which is great to see.
"It's great for the area, everyone is buzzing. It's going to be a big day down at Ballina. I can't wait and I'm really proud of the guys.
And are they a chance?
"I think so. In the major semi they only lost by two points (to Ballina). Ballina have been a great team and I think they've won the competition four out of the last five I think, so they'll be hard to beat.
"As long as they don't get overawed by the situation I think they'll give it a real good crack."
