Jake Gordon hopes to make the NSW Waratahs and Wallabies No.9 jumpers his own after recommitting to Australian rugby for another two years.
Gordon on Tuesday re-signed with the Waratahs and Rugby Australia until the end of the 2021 season, saying he never considered leaving Sydney to pursue a big-money move offshore.
“I’ve said before it was a dream of mine from a young age to play for the Waratahs and Wallabies and to be able to do that is something really special and I’m happy to be signing on for another two years,” he said.
The 25-year old made his Wallabies debut against Italy in Padova on last year’s spring tour after a standout Super Rugby season for the Waratahs.
With rival Waratahs halfback Nick Phipps heading to the English Premiership next year and long-time first-choice Wallabies No.9 Will Genia reportedly bound for Japan after the 2019 World Cup, Gordon is making no secret of his desire to step up.
“I just want to go out there and play more and more Test footy,” he said.
“Same as I said about the Waratahs, I’m looking to lock down that No.9 (Wallabies) jersey but at the moment it’s really focusing on playing consistent rugby for the Waratahs and the rest will take care of itself.”
A dynamic runner of the ball, Gordon knows what he needs to do to earn a spot in Michael Cheika’s World Cup squad later this year.
“The big thing is consistency,” he said.
“At the moment it depends if I’m starting or coming off the bench. But whatever game time I’m getting I’ve go to be consistent.
“A few things I’ve focused on is the speed of my pass.
“That’s something I have been focusing on quite a bit over the last six months.”
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Waxie, You leave me in no doubt in your thoughts on Phipps after reading your diluted comments
Waxhead
Roar Rookie
Well 2 bits of excellent news here :) 1st is that J. Gordon will stay in Australia. He's a quality halfback who will only improve imo. 2nd is the departure of N. Phipps overseas. He's been the worst halfback ever to play for Australia and again in 2019 the worst halfback in the whole Super comp imo. The fact he's been selected in so many WB teams over past 5 yrs is a total disgrace imo. Jake says Cheika wants "consistency" and that just tells you everything because Phipps is the most inconsistent error ridden halfback I've ever seen in provincial rugby. Or you could argue that gifting 1-2 tries to the opposition and passing to no one every game is consistent :)
Russ
Guest
No Scrumhalf is anywhere near Will Genia yet and he is 31. I hope they lift their games soon as 2019 could be his last year.When Will Genia came in at 19 he was a star almost immediatley. Yet to see it from the above 3 and Sorovi etc etc.Glimpses from McDermott. but that's about it.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Great signing I reckon. Genia has rejuvenated his career this year by playing some very good football. We need him for the WC. He is also playing for a contract extension. BUT, he is coming to the end (of being a top player) as it dies for all. We actually have 3 up and comers, Gordon, Powell and McDermott, who are a lot cheaper and will improve remarkably once they don Wallaby colours. Don’t invest in the past, invest in the future.