Fears of ‘Manipulation’ as Battle for Homeless Wallabies Intensifies Amid Rebels’ Impending Demise

Michael Hooper has urged Carter Gordon to join the Waratahs, who finished at the bottom of the ladder, as speculation over the Wallabies playmaker’s future intensifies.

With the impending collapse of the Rebels, Rugby Australia is working with players to find new teams. Despite NSW already having Tane Edmed and Jack Bowen for next season, Hooper believes Gordon would be an excellent addition in Sydney.

“I’d love to see Carter Gordon come to NSW,” the Wallabies and Waratahs legend said on Stan Sport’s Between Two Posts. “I think he would be a great asset. He has so much potential and has already shown some fantastic skills in his career. He just needs to improve his goal kicking.”

The other Australian clubs seem secure at the No.10 position with Noah Lolesio at the Brumbies, Tom Lynagh at the Reds, and Ben Donaldson at the Force.

Edmed was included in Joe Schmidt’s initial Wallabies training squad for the upcoming Tests against Wales and Georgia. However, former Wallabies outside back Cameron Shepherd also sees Gordon’s move to the Waratahs as logical.

“He’s a great player and probably one of the most experienced 10s we have right now. He has enormous potential,” Shepherd said on Stan Sport’s Rugby Heaven. “We’ve seen glimpses of it with the Melbourne Rebels and the Wallabies. But Australian rugby needs to be cautious about overly manipulating player movements.

“These decisions impact their jobs and homes, both for the players and their families. It’s a tough situation for the Rebels players and Rugby Australia.”

Rugby Australia has consulted with Rebels players about their 2025 preferences and cannot force them to join specific clubs against their will.

Wallabies legend Tim Horan believes Rugby Australia should still play an active role in strategically placing players for the greater good of the sport.

“Carter Gordon wants to go back to Queensland,” Horan said. “That’s where he’s from, and he’s close to Tate McDermott. But with many 10s in Queensland already, he might need to play 12.

“I disagree with Shep. Rugby Australia needs to direct these 17 contracted players to the clubs where they are most needed for the benefit of Australian rugby and the Wallabies. For instance, if a team is short on props, players like Taniela Tupou should be directed there unless there are significant personal reasons.”

Horan emphasized the importance of strengthening the remaining teams: “Fans want four strong teams. It’s disappointing that the Rebels won’t be there anymore, but we need to distribute the players to make the other teams stronger so we can compete with New Zealand teams consistently.”