Reds coach Les Kiss, who will take over the Wallabies reins at the end of the Super Rugby season, said his No.10 pick has the ability to bounce around the backline. Both Gordon and McLaughlin-Phillips were able to fill in at inside center, while the latter also trained at fullback.
Gordon was immediately thrust into the Test arena for the spring tour at the end of his rugby league days, starting with the 26-19 defeat to Italy. He said his desire to stay close to home – he grew up on the Sunshine Coast – fueled his move to the Reds rather than another club.
“It’s stacked — competition is always good, no matter what position you play, you always want a couple of guys pushing for that role,” Gordon said.
“I love playing 10 and that’s the position I want to play, but whatever’s best for the team, I’ll follow Les.”
Lynagh has declared himself fully fit to take part in the Reds’ pre-season, having battled hamstring problems and concussion throughout 2025. He has also dealt with back problems since his teenage cricket days – including the bowling of future England wicketkeeper Jamie Smith.
While he admits his health issues have been a daunting issue in what has otherwise been “one of the best years of my life”, the experiences would inspire his bid to become the Wallabies’ mainstay at five-eighth at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
“That’s a long-term goal, I’m sure it’s the same for everyone in Australia to hold that jersey – it’s the ultimate goal. But … first you have to play well in Super Rugby to even have a chance,” Lynagh said.
“I’ve had plenty of time to work on a few things and get my body in order for Super Rugby. That was the whole plan around not going on the spring tour.”
Lynagh will join younger brother Nic in Queensland, with the outside back signing a development deal as he bounces back from a turbulent period.
The 18-year-old endured the best part of two years on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury before tearing his right hamstring from the bone shortly after his return.
Nic admits he has had the shadow of their famous father – Wallabies great Michael Lynagh – hanging over him but believes he is ready to emulate Tom and forge his own path to the top.
“As the youngest brother, I feel like I covered it up the most. I used to get sidelined – ‘oh there’s Lynagh, he’s got to do something’, and there was one story where I got sworn at just for being Lynagh,” he said.
“There are positives and negatives, but I take the pressure as a privilege and I don’t try to avoid it.
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