Veteran fullback’s happy to be back on deck
HAVING feared he had played the last game of his decorated 14-year NRL career, Michael Gordon will return for the Titans tomorrow in a role he has never before experienced.
The fullback has been sidelined since Round 9 due to a potentially life-threatening blood clot in his leg. “It was weird because physically I felt great but then when you talk to a specialist and they tell you if you get hit in the head you could die you’re sort of like well, there is more important things to life than playing footy,” Gordon said.
“So that’s the sort of attitude I had towards it and I took all the advice very seriously.”
The 35-year-old underwent a six-week course of medication and steered clear of any contact work, instead simply focusing on running fitness, before being given the all clear to rejoin the Gold Coast squad to face the Storm at Cbus Super Stadium this weekend.
Interim senior coach Craig Hodges said Gordon’s experience, class and level-headedness will be critical in the team’s first game since Garth Brennan was removed as coach.
“And he’s had a decent spell out of the game so he actually has a renewed enthusiasm too,” Hodges added.
Gordon has been named to start on the bench – something he has never previously done in 254 NRL matches – as the Titans shift their preference towards playing a utility back over a second hooker.
“I’ve been hooked a few times but I don’t think I have started on the bench,” he said.
Chances are the off-contract former Panther, Shark, Eel and Rooster is in the twilight of his career – not that he has made a decision on his future just yet.