Pulling on the Titans jersey for the first time, albeit in a promotional capacity for the launch of the 2025 strip, Carter Gordon says he felt emotional.
"I had a bit of a moment when I put it on,” he said.
“I really love it.
“This was the first time I have put on a Titans jersey … and when I put it on, I was just thinking that I can’t wait to be out there with the boys wearing it.”
Past inspired. Future ready.
After playing at the highest level in rugby union, Gordon is targeting an NRL debut in 2025.
The 23-year-old is already into his work in pre-season and he says the majority of his skills are transitioning nicely.
“Obviously all of the catch-pass, kicking and all of that is the same,” he said.
“Tackling is a little bit different, some of it is the same but the unique skills around the wrestle and getting guys on the floor are a little bit different and they are the things I’m picking up.”
After playing at both centre and five-eighth in his first games of league with the Tweed Seagulls, Gordon says he’s enjoyed both roles but has a long-term focus for where he wants to fit into the team.
“I really enjoy playing in the halves, but I enjoy playing in the centres as well,” he said.
“I think it will be a bit of a work in progress through the pre-season, but I’m definitely keen to get into the halves and ball play and obviously that is something I’m familiar with coming from union.
“I think I just need a bit of work in pre-season to get a feel for it, but ultimately, I’d love to be playing there.
“I’ll start the pre-season in the halves as Foz (Kieran Foran) is out for most of the pre-season and when he comes back we will re-assess and see how it’s going and I’ll draw on him as well as a mentor.
“He’s been great, I sit with him and have heaps of chats … he is someone I go to for feedback.”
After most recently plying his trade with the Melbourne Rebels, Gordon says the lure of returning to Queensland and the excitement of the Titans roster was what drew him to the Coast.
“The Titans were one of the first clubs I spoke to and I was talking to them through the whole process,” he said.
“I’m a Queensland boy and the drawcard of coming back home was a big one for me.
“The history Des (Hasler) has, the quality of coach that he is, he is someone that I wanted to play under.
“I think if you look at the squad that is building now and the squad we are taking into ’25 it’s strong and we are going to learn off the back of last year and hopefully win a lot more games.”
