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Ex-Wallaby’s brother: Former Australia U20 star joins Queensland Reds
By Finn Morton
Sunshine Coast product Mason Gordon has signed with the Queensland Reds on a one-year deal. Gordon, who is the younger brother of former Wallabies playmaker Carter, was rewarded with a full-time contract after impressing on debut for the Reds in July.
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Gordon first played for the Reds during the team’s heartbreaking 36-35 loss to Warren Gatland’s Wales at Suncorp Stadium on July 19. The 21-year-come came off the one in the dying stages of that contest, and it was a similar story the following Friday in Tonga.
After being named on the bench, Gordon came off the pine in the 66th minute at Teufaiva Stadium, but he didn’t leave empty-handed. The playmaker knocked over a penalty goal to complete the 27-point demolition on Friday, July 26.
The Reds would later name Gordon in their touring squad to play two matches against Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights in Japan. Gordon scored two tries in last week’s 59-29 trial win over the Wild Knights, with the fullback putting his hand up for more game-time opportunities.
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With the versatility to play either as a fullback or flyhalf, Gordon has the potential to soar with Queensland during next year’s campaign. The Brisbane Boys’ College Old Boy has been full-time with the Reds since July and he’s looking forward to what lies ahead.
“I’m really excited to lock in 2025. It was pretty much a no-brainer when the offer came with the unbelievable quad and coaching staff at the Reds,” Gordon said in a statement.
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“Being involved against Wales and Tonga, I’ve seen the detail and enjoyment, as well as the pride, amongst the boys.
“I was born in Buderim and started school on the Sunshine Coast so I definitely grew up always wanting to play for Queensland.
“I’d make the trek to Suncorp Stadium with the family to watch the Reds play as a kid so there is dream-come-true stuff to this.
“I’ve taken a different sort of route to the Reds,” he added. “I took a lot of learnings from my four years at the Rebels.
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“I made lifelong mates. I also learnt to have confidence in what I’m good at because I don’t need to be a player I’m not.”
Gordon led Brisbane Boys’ College to a drought-breaking First XV title in the prestigious GPS competition, but that was just the start of the youngster’s rugby journey. Coach Nathan Grey would end up selecting Gordon to play for Australia at the World Rugby U20 Championship.
In a squad that included other rising stars including Tim Ryan, Teddy Wilson, John Bryant and Massimo De Lutiis, Gordon was a regular in the starting side. Gordon started three matches at fullback before coming off the bench against Wales in a ranking match.
Earlier this year, Gordon entered the Super Rugby arena for the first time after being named to come off the bench away to the Hurricanes. Gordon scored a try during that defeat, and he went on to make another three appearances during the Rebels’ season.
“Mason’s versatility with playing several positions and his kicking game are good additions to the squad,” Kiss explained.
“We’ve also been able to observe him on the training field and how he’s fitted into the squad nicely over this recent period.”
