Jordan Petaia – the two-time World Cup Wallaby, who threatened to lead Australian rugby into a brighter future – has confirmed the game’s worst kept secret that he is making an audacious bid to join the NFL.
The 24-year-old, who exploded into Super Rugby as a 17-year-old and became the youngest Wallaby to play at a World Cup in 2019, posted on social media on Tuesday morning that he would be joining the NFL international pathway program (IPP) early next year.
“The decision to step away from rugby hasn’t been easy and one that took a great deal of consideration,” Petaia wrote on his Instagram account.
“I’ve followed the NFL since I was a kid,” he told the Queensland Reds.
“Trying American football is something I’ve always thought about. I’d kick myself if I didn’t have a shot because I don’t want any regrets.
“Now is the right time.
“Why the decision has been so hard is the progress of the Reds this season. I was very impressed with the team going to the next level this year with the new coaching group and I see them taking another step in 2025.
“(Head coach) Les Kiss said some very kind words to farewell me last week (at a Reds team meeting) and it was a good feeling to hear all the boys are excited for me and wish me the best.
“It was quite emotional for me after being at the club since I left school.”
Jordan Petaia has confirmed he is switching codes in an attempt to play in the NFL. (Photo by Adam Pretty – World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)
The 31-Test back will attend January’s exclusive International Player Pathway (IPP) development camp in Florida.
It’s the same program that kick-started Jordan Mailata’s NFL career with Philadelphia, the Sydney giant one of five internationals to crack an active roster since the program began in 2017.
It’s understood Petaia is open to playing multiple positions, including in defence but also as a wide receiver or as a shorter, more athletic tight end.
His speed, evasion, leap and explosive power all have the potential to catch the eye during testing at the two-month Florida camp that is closely monitored by every NFL club.
Former NRL star Jarryd Hayne famously cracked the San Francisco active squad as a running back, making eight appearances in 2015.
That was before the advent of the IPP, which was designed to streamline the inclusion of foreign talent and not interfere with the traditional draft system.
NRL flyer Valentine Holmes joined the New York Jets’ practice squad from the IPP in 2019 but quickly aborted after a pre-season of limited opportunities.
Petaia follows the lead of Welsh flyer Louis Rees-Zammit, who shocked many by leaving on the eve of this year’s Six Nations tournament, said he was taking a risk by leaving Australian rugby.
“There are no guarantees,” he said. “It’s an opportunity to train and learn the game over several months and showcase my potential s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s in the game.”
Jordan Petaia burst on the scene for the Reds as a teenager. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
Although Petaia’s touted move shocked many earlier this year, it’s a decision that the explosive back has been considering for the best of two years.
Although the Reds were desperately keen to keep Petaia involved in the game, the lack of communication by the national body didn’t necessarily help Queensland’s efforts.
Petaia’s legacy will be mixed in rugby.
When Michael Cheika threw him in the deep end against England in the 2019 World Cup quarter-final and he came out alive it looked like Petaia would develop into one of the Wallabies’ greatest talents.
But the talent didn’t necessarily convert into consistency and years of success.
He wasn’t helped by being played right across the backline, but he remained one of the Wallabies’ most physically gifted players who could shrug away defenders at will and create something out of nothing.
Despite an injury-disrupted year last season, former coach Eddie Jones didn’t hesitate to start Petaia at outside centre in the World Cup.
While he didn’t enjoy the success he wanted during the campaign, few did.
Jordan Petaia palms away All Blacks captain Scott Barrett. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
But there’s no doubt he gave the Wallabies a point of difference, including in the air where he became increasingly known as ‘Air Jordy’.
Kiss, who repeatedly said throughout the year he wanted to keep Petaia, gave the talented back a huge endorsement.
“Jordie has been a great Reds player,” Kiss said.
“We only wish him the best with his ambitions in American football. We support him.
“He represented the Queensland jersey proudly as one of the most dynamic players in Australia, if not the world.
“A key trait is all he gives in the locker room to younger players.”
