Veteran Gold Coast fullback Michael Gordon has announced he will retire at the end of the NRL season.
The 35-year-old believed the time was right to draw the curtain on a 14-season career which has also featured stints at Penrith, Cronulla, Parramatta and the Sydney Roosters.
Gordon – who earned a 2010 NSW State of Origin cap – has scored 92 tries over 257 games to date.
He has played 32 games for the Gold Coast since arriving in 2018.
“I have been very fortunate to have enjoyed the career that I have, to have played at some wonderful clubs, and to have shared time with wonderful friends and teammates over the past 14 seasons,” Gordon said in a statement.
“I am very proud to be a Titan and very grateful to the Gold Coast for giving me the chance to finish my career by representing the region I started with as an under-seven with the Tweed Coast Raiders many years ago.
“I am excited about the road ahead of me in life after football, and also excited for the bright future ahead for the Gold Coast Titans.”
Gordon’s announcement comes barely a month after the goal kicking No.1 returned to NRL action.
He had battled a blood clot in his leg that sidelined him for more than two months.
It was the latest setback the veteran had overcome after an ACL injury in 2011 at Penrith before last year’s debut Titans season was cut short by a wrist complaint.
Titans head of performance and culture Mal Meninga paid tribute to Gordon’s durability.
“The mark of a successful career is longevity, and the fact that Michael was able to play more than 250 games for five clubs despite some very serious injuries tells you a lot about his tenacity and resilience,” Meninga said.
“There is no doubt he would have played 300 NRL games were it not for those injuries, and to still be contributing on the field the way he has this season at 35 years of age is a real credit to him.
“He is a credit to the rugby league community, and hopefully we will see him involved with the Titans for many years to come.”
Uzi
Guest
Scary to think how many points Latrell might end up with if he keeps going like this for another 10 years.
JimboJones
Guest
They could give him a cuppla hunji a year to answer Mals phone . But seriously , he's the kinda bloke they would need around the place , if they are serious about getting the club on track.
eels47
Roar Rookie
Very underrated player indeed. Was disappointing that he had to leave the Eels after one season in 2016. If the Titans have any clue they will keep him at the club in some sort of coaching role.
Soda
Roar Rookie
Gordon has always been a reliable fullback and great player. He doesn't make mistakes and when you play for the titans thats a real accomplishment. Well done on a great career.
BA Sports
Roar Guru
13th on the All-time point scorers list and only Adam Reynolds is likely to pass him anytime soon (but still 400 points behind). Fun fact: 51 players have scored more than 1,000 points in the top grade. Michael Gordon is 1 of just 6 active players with more than 1,000 points: Cameron Smith Jarrod Croker James Maloney Michael Gordon Adam Reynolds Benji Marshall Next year Shaun Johnson will (most likely) replace Gordon as one of 5 active players to have 1,000 points (with Maloney dipping out). Gareth Widdop (900+ points) is leaving so the next nearest is..... Tyrone Roberts on 628, with Latrell hot on his tail.
Dutski
Roar Guru
Whole hearted player - I liked him at the Panthers, Eels and Sharks but loved him as a Rooster. Never had a shocker and always played for the team. Hopefully young Brimson at the Titans has picked up some hints about toughness, running the holes and being the most reliable bloke on the team.
Con Scortis
Roar Guru
Absolute champion bloke and a great servant to several clubs and to the game.
Rob
Guest
Always been a very underrated player and is one of the best blokes in the game by all accounts. Wish him nothing but the best.