Mason Gordon signed by Queensland Reds

Tue, Oct 29, 2024, 12:39 AM
RU
by Reds Media Unit
Queensland Red no. 1403 Mason Gordon has inked a one-year deal with the team
Queensland Red no. 1403 Mason Gordon has inked a one-year deal with the team

The Queensland Rugby Union is pleased to announce the signing of Sunshine Coast product Mason Gordon on a one-year deal.

Gordon’s versatility to play either as a fullback or flyhalf is a key reason why he is now part of the Queensland Reds squad for 2025.

The 21-year-old played four times for the Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby Pacific earlier this year during an important development stage of his career.

Gordon has been auditioning for a full-time role at the Reds since July when he made his Reds debut in matches against Wales and Tonga.

“I’m really excited to lock in 2025. It was pretty much a no-brainer when the offer came with the unbelievable squad and coaching staff at the Reds,” Gordon said.

“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.”

Gordon was a member of Wests’ 2022 premiership side because he continued to play in the StoreLocal Hospital Cup during his four development years with the now-defunct Rebels in Melbourne.

“I’ve taken a different sort of route to get to the Reds. I took a lot of learnings from my four years at the Rebels,” Gordon said.

“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.”

Mason Gordon meeting young fans after his two-try showing in the trial match against Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights

Gordon played for the Australian Under-20s in 2023. He featured mostly at fullback during his Super Rugby Pacific games this year but swung into No.10 for periods with his playmaking skills.

The younger brother of 2023 World Cup Wallaby Carter Gordon is currently on tour with the Reds in Japan.

He crossed for two tries when chiming in from fullback during the 59-29 trial win over the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights in Kumagaya last Sunday.

Reds head coach Les Kiss is delighted to add a young back with experience to the 2025 squad.

“Mason’s versatility with playing several positions and his kicking game are good additions to the squad,” Kiss said.

“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.”

The Reds face the Wild Knights on Monday, November 4 in Kumagaya with the Saitama-Queensland Shield at stake.

It is the 40th anniversary of the forging of the sister state relationship between Saitama prefecture and Queensland. 

Kiss also took the chance to farewell winger Mac Grealy, who played 30 games for the Reds across four seasons. Kiss thanked him for his time at Ballymore.

“We would have liked Mac to stay in Queensland but understand he has had a great option presented to him to secure his future in Australia for the next two years," Kiss said.

“Mac is a fine young man who has had a positive influence on the Reds on and off the field and we wish him nothing but the best for this next chapter, and thank him for the passion and commitment he has brought to Queensland Rugby."

MASON GORDON

Position: Fullback-flyhalf

Born: 09/03/2003

Height: 1.89m

Weight: 90kg

Place of birth: Buderim, Queensland

Senior Club: Wests

School: Brisbane Boys’ College

Queensland no.: 1403

Queensland debut: 2024 v Wales

Queensland caps: 2

Super Rugby Pacific games: 4 (Melbourne Rebels debut v Hurricanes, 2024)

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