Rebels and Australia utility back Reece Hodge has sung the praises of up-and-coming fly-half Carter Gordon and believes the 22-year-old can do a job at Test level.
On Sunday, Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones named a 33-man squad for a three-day camp later this month on the Gold Coast.
In fine form
Gordon was one of several uncapped players included in that squad and his selection was a deserved one as he has been arguably the best Australian fly-half in action during the early part of this year’s Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
Hodge said he is delighted to see his Rebels team-mate being rewarded with his Wallabies call up after his fine start to the season.
“I’m really proud of Carter,” Hodge told reporters. “He’s been at the club for a couple years now and to see the strides that he’s made his own game, he’s one of the hardest workers.
“He’s a student of the game and has a really good understanding of the game of where to attack whilst putting his body on the line in defence.
“I think just the intent he has played with both sides of the ball has meant he’s deserved his spot in the squad.
“It’s up to him to continue those performances, keep the consistency up and give them no excuse come Rugby Championship and World Cup time.”
And Hodge is confident the young playmaker can replicate his club form at Test level if given the chance to do so.
“For sure, his performances this year have been awesome,” Hodge said when asked if Gordon can handle a Test call-up.
“He controls the game really well and his option-taking and overall game has been up there with the best playmakers in the competition.
Can make step up to Test level
“If he keeps up that standard of play, the guys around him at the Rebels have massive confidence in the way he’s playing at the moment and there’s no reason why he can’t step to the next level and do the same thing.
“I know he’ll be narrowing his focus to Super Rugby at the moment and will go from there once the next squad is picked.”
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