It was somewhat like groundhog day for Mat Rogers, as he sat to talk to Titans.com.au. Titan #13 was back at Cbus Super Stadium, sitting in the dressing room talking about making the switch from playing for the Wallabies to moving to rugby league with the Titans.
Only now, some 17 years after he did it back in 2007, Rogers is now talking about the man following his path - Carter Gordon.
Gordon, at 23-years of age, enters his first NRL pre-season, hoping to add his name to the Titans honour role with a debut in 2025.
After watching closely during his time wearing the Wallabies gold, Rogers says he believes Gordon can follow his path and become a success at the Titans.
“I think Carter can be anything,” Rogers said.
“As an athlete, he’s a specimen.
“He’s got skills that transfer from rugby to league.
“He’s a big strong bugger, he’s got a great passing game, a great kicking game and he can run the ball.
“There is three attributes that work well in both rugby league and rugby union.
“Carter has all of the skills needed to succeed, now it is about putting the work in to understand the game and with a guy like Kieran Foran in his corner who has been doing this forever, Des Hasler as a Coach and a former halfback, he’s got people who can teach him how to manage a game.”
Past inspired. Future ready.
After playing at both centre and in the halves during a brief stint with the Tweed Seagulls in 2024, Gordon says he’ll spend the pre-season finding his feet.
While Gordon openly declared that he wants to play in the halves, Rogers says that he could also follow his path as he learns the game.
“When I came to the Titans I played in the centres for a season and got my bearings and then moved into five-eighth and had a ball.”
Gordon has already leant on Rogers to pick the brain of the 200-game NRL veteran.
“He’s been a great mentor for me,” Gordon said of Rogers.
“He is someone who’s done pretty much the exact same switch as me to the Titans.
“Looking up to him as a union player growing up was massive. And then following in his footsteps to the Gold Coast has also been big for me.
“I’ve had chats with him and he’s been really supportive. He’s just a great bloke and a really good mentor for me.”
