NSW Waratahs captain Jake Gordon has declared himself fit and ready to lead the side into Saturday night’s blockbuster Super Rugby Pacific clash against the ACT Brumbies in Canberra that will also mark his return from a knee injury.
Speaking after Friday’s ‘Captain’s Run’ training session at the NSW Waratahs base in Daceyville, Sydney, Gordon said he was “really happy to be back."
He viewed the match against their traditional rivals as a prime opportunity for the side to assert themselves and claim their first win on the road.
“We probably haven’t performed the way we wanted to away from home,” Gordon admitted.
“We’ve played some really good footy at home, but we are searching for a really good result this weekend.
“We are expecting a Brumbies team ready to go, especially after the last game at Allianz [Stadium, Sydney when the NSW Waratahs beat the Brumbies.]"
While winless on the road this season, Gordon said that Round 6 win over the ACT Brumbies to break a run of thirteen losses boosted the side's confidence.
“For sure. It was well documented, it was a few games to get us there,” Gordon said.
“We’ve had some really good battles … and apart from that last game, they’ve won the tight ones.
“The group was pretty pumped with the last game at Allianz.
“We see this game for us as a really good opportunity away from home against one of our traditional rivals.”
Gordon, sidelined by an MCL injury in Round 4 against the Western Force, made his comeback last week in the Shute Shield with Sydney University.
He said he’s feeling sharp heading into Saturday's game in Canberra at GIO Stadium: “I got 40 minutes under my belt and had a decent hit-out.
"It’s probably taken a little longer than expected, but I’ve ticked off everything I needed to.
"I’m looking forward to running out with the boys again.”
With the Super Rugby Pacific finals nearing, Gordon stopped short of labeling the ACT Brumbies match a “must win” fixture, but recognised its importance.
“It’s getting close towards the end of the year …," Gordon said.
"We are focused on our performance, but we believe if we play some consistent good rugby, we will get a really good result," he said.
“Must wins … Yeah, you probably start thinking that this time of the year.”
Gordon also addressed recent speculation about his playing future. Asked if his future is sorted, he said: “It’s getting close.”
But he confirmed that he had been in discussions with overseas clubs and was poised to commit to continue playing in Australia and with the NSW Waratahs.
Pressed on whether he is remaining in Australia, he said: “It’s looking that way.
“I see the opportunity we have. The progression we have had is really good.
“I see an exciting opportunity here in the next few years and want to be a part of it.”
Gordon also praised NSW Waratahs teammate Teddy Wilson who is off contract and impressed in the No. 9 jersey in his absence.
“Teddy’s had a really good five or six games [starting],” Gordon said.
“It is similar to when me and ‘Fang’ [former NSW Waratahs scrumhalf, Nick Phipps] were here.
"I learned a lot under ‘Fang’ at the time … He is a super competitor, and such a good lad too.
“I think back on those times, and they were really good times in my career.
“For Teddy … he has some decisions to make … I am sure for a guy who is hungry to test himself, I am sure he will make the right one.
“It would be nice to keep us both here.”
What: NSW Waratahs v the ACT Brumbies
Where: GIO Stadium, Canberra
When: Saturday, 3 May, 2025
Kick-off: 7.35 pm (AEST)
The game will be televised LIVE on Stan Sport - the home of rugby
