Former Wallabies star Gordon signs with Titans for 2024
Former Wallabies playmaker Carter Gordon has trained with Gold Coast for the first time after signing for the rest of the season.
Titans coach Des Hasler confirmed to AAP that the 23-year-old is not in the top 30, but has signed an NRL deal.
Gordon has been released from the remainder of his 2024 Wallabies contract after earlier inking a two-year deal with Gold Coast for 2025 and 2026.
Hasler, speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, said he was pleased Gordon had "started his integration" into the NRL.
"He trained with us this morning and has started his development and education," Hasler said.
Hasler said the ex-Melbourne Rebels No.10 may play in the Queensland Cup this year.
"We are in no rush. We don't need to," he said.
"We will let him get settled and go from there."
The Titans already have playmakers Kieran Foran, AJ Brimson, Tanah Boyd and Jayden Campbell but Hasler is yet to settle on exactly where Gordon will find his niche in the NRL.
"We will determine that over the next couple of months," Hasler said.
"He is solid and has all the qualities. He has represented his country in union so he has some great skill so we will see how that develops."
Gold Coast's squad left on a bus for Coffs Harbour on Wednesday ahead of their Friday night clash with Cronulla.
They had a bye last round but in their previous match they scored a record-breaking 66-6 win over the Warriors at Robina.
Versatile Jayden Campbell, who scored a club-record 26 points while playing five-eighth, broke his hand in the clash and will miss the Sharks fixture.
AJ Brimson, out of action for two months with a groin injury, returns to the starting line-up at No.6.
Queensland prop Moeaki Fotuaika returns from State of Origin duty and winger Jojo Fifita from illness.
"It is good that we get a few back," Hasler said.
"It is really important that we get a bit of consistency about our play. It will be good to string some wins together."
Brimson, Campbell and in-form fullback Keano Kini are yet to play a game together this year and won't on Friday, but Hasler said it would be "great" when that eventuates.
"They make things happen and have that air of excitement about them," he said.
Brimson's return has heartened the coach.
"His footy is quite strong and he can switch from one and six, as can Jayden," Hasler said.
"Kini's development is going really well. Just his work-rate and vitality is something we are getting to see."