Wallaby convert could mark up Tigers whiz kid in double debuts

3 months ago 8

The NRL is about to watch two of the most anticipated debuts of the season, with former Wallaby Carter Gordon and Wests Tigers youngster Heamasi Makasini potentially marking up on each other on Saturday.

Gordon, Australia’s 2023 Rugby World Cup five-eighth, made a cross-code switch to the Gold Coast Titans during the preseason. However, a spinal issue - a cerebrospinal fluid leak that affects the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord - has sidelined Gordon for much of the season.

But after making a successful comeback in the Queensland Cup, Gordon will play his first first-grade game in what will be Des Hasler’s final game as coach. One of the options is for him to play in the centres, potentially setting up a showdown against Makasini.

The Tigers’ young gun, who is still at school and only recently turned 18, is arguably the hottest schoolboy prospect since Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii. The Newington College student was the only 17-year-old picked in this year’s NSW under-19s State of Origin team, and the Tigers have signed him until the end of 2028 to keep rivals at bay.

There was no shortage of interest in Makasini and Gordon from both codes before they settled on their current teams.

“I had interest last year from Japan with the Panasonic Wild Knights; they tried to get me over and asked me to tour their facility, while I also met with the Waratahs,” Makasini said in June.

“But the Tigers are home. I’m a local junior, I can see something brewing at the club, and I want to be a part of it.”

After crossing codes, Gordon will become the first Wallabies half to play top-flight league in 34 years. The last to do so was Brian Smith, who made six rugby Test appearances for Australia before switching to the Balmain Tigers in 1991. While Mat Rogers also left rugby to become a Titan in 2007, he grew up with and began his professional career in rugby league.

Wests Tigers young gun Heamasi Makasini.

The transition for Gordon will be a big one, given that he never played league until making his debut for the Titans’ feeder team Tweed Seagulls, in the middle of last year.

More to come ...