Desperate ARU plays hardball in bid to BLOCK the release of Wallabies fly-half to rival NRL side Gold Coast Titans

The Gold Coast Titans are considering having Carter Gordon join their team before June 30, but Rugby Australia (RA) is unlikely to grant an early release. 

Gordon, who recently signed a two-year deal with the Titans, may still be needed by the Wallabies, according to RA.

In a surprising announcement, the Titans revealed on Wednesday that they had secured Gordon's services for the next two seasons. 

Gordon is the second Wallaby in eight months to switch to the NRL, following Mark Nawaqanitawase's move to the Roosters for 2025-26.

Gordon played his final game for the Rebels last weekend. With Rugby Australia closing down the Super Rugby club, its players are now seeking contracts elsewhere. 

Last week, Nawaqanitawase was left out of the Wallabies' train-on squad, likely due to his upcoming switch to the NRL.

Although discussions about an early exit from his RA contract were held, Nawaqanitawase has since started training with the Australian sevens team and might be selected for the Olympics in July. 

Similarly, the Titans want Gordon to join them as soon as possible.

Gordon expressed excitement about his move, citing the positive direction of rugby league. 

'I'm excited with the direction that rugby league is taking and the positive feeling around the game,' he said.

Sources close to the situation indicated the Titans' eagerness to have Gordon join quickly, possibly creating a spot in their top 30 roster. 

Titans coach Des Hasler praised Gordon's versatility, saying, 'He's a big lump of a thing. He can play a number of positions, so it will be fascinating to watch his transition into rugby league.'

However, RA CEO Phil Waugh has stated that Gordon will not be released early, as he remains in contention for Wallabies selection. 

Gordon is set to begin Wallabies training in Melbourne next week, ahead of a July Test squad announcement by coach Joe Schmidt. 

Despite being behind Noah Lolesio and Ben Donaldson in selection preference, Gordon is still a potential call-up.

Schmidt's recent omissions of Nawaqanitawase and other players moving to England suggest a focus on those who will be in Australia for the British and Irish Lions tour in 2025. 

Nevertheless, Waugh saidthat Test selections are based on current performance, not future commitments.

'Joe and I have been very clear on that. His selection is made on players he thinks will win the next Test match, not necessarily where they are committed to in years ahead,' he said.

While RA could save money by releasing Gordon and Nawaqanitawase, they are wary of encouraging NRL clubs to poach more players. Injuries could also quickly alter the Wallabies' squad needs.

When asked about Gordon's departure, Waugh highlighted the need to create a desirable environment in rugby union. 

He said that RA had offered Gordon a fair deal, including significant earning potential, but recognised the challenges posed by uncertainty in Melbourne and the disappointment from last year's World Cup.