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‘Shouting down at me’: How his father’s passing inspired a bold NFL bid
By Nick Wright
Nothing could have kept Jordan Petaia from chasing his American dream. Not the allure of a British and Irish Lions tour, nor a Wallabies World Cup campaign on home soil.
Having risen through the ranks as one of Australian rugby’s most promising prospects, Petaia has now cashed it all in to pursue NFL glory.
But this was not a spur of the moment decision, nor was it one borne out of any guarantee of success.
Jordan Petaia cemented himself in the Wallabies’ set up at a young age.Credit: Getty
It came from a love of the game he shared with his father Seiuli Salatielu Petaia, who tragically passed away from a heart attack in 2020.
“I’m taking this opportunity on a dream I’ve had, not only for myself, but a dream I shared with my old man,” Petaia said.
“We used to enjoy watching the free games on TV – me and my brother used to stay home from school and watch the Super Bowl. Those were the only days he let us do that, and our birthdays.
“He’d be looking down and shouting at me to take the opportunity. I think I probably would have regretted it if I didn’t.”
The two-time World Cup star will leave the Queensland Reds and Rugby Australia to follow in the footsteps of National Rugby League players through the NFL’s International Player Pathways.
While other NRL players such as Valentine Holmes failed to make the grade in the United States, former Sydney player Jordan Mailata became a Philadelphia Eagles superstar and is now one of the highest-paid offensive tackles in the NFL.
Petaia – who at 24 already boasts 31 Test rugby caps – is not looking too far ahead.
Valentine Holmes in action for the New York Jets.Credit: AP
“I was always thinking of going pro in rugby, and I just happened to be lucky enough for it to happen out of school. Around about that time, you see guys like Jordan Mailata and Valentine Holmes heading over and giving it a shot, and I loved that,” Petaia said.
“I followed the journey those boys went on … and thought if the opportunity came, I’d take it.
“I’m definitely not heading over there thinking I’m guaranteed a contract, it’s something where I’m just going to go and have a crack.
“I didn’t want to live in regret.”
Weighing up offers
Petaia was already contemplating his future when he suffered a serious shoulder injury in April, ending his Super Rugby season.
At the time, the St George-Illawarra Dragons had reportedly discussed bringing him to the NRL, while the Reds were eager to retain his services.
Even though Petaia had an American dream, he needed to consider what he was giving up. A home World Cup in 2027 and a Lions tour next year were compelling reasons to stay in rugby.
“It wasn’t an easy decision, it’s definitely one I had to think about for a while weighing up offers. It’s not like I’m guaranteed to make a living, so it’s definitely just an opportunity,” Petaia said.
“I had to weigh it up and whether it was something I really wanted to chase. My family’s here, I grew up in Brissie, so it’s almost like leaving home, which is another thing you have to think about.
“I’ll give it my all. Some people might call it a risk, but it’s an opportunity I’m willing to take.”
Petaia revealed he spoke with Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt about his future, but kept his NFL ambitions to a close circle of confidants.
But he refused to rule out a return to the game in which he made his name.
“I’m just taking it day by day and seeing where it will take me,” Petaia says.
“I don’t think too far ahead into the future, just day by day, and I’ll worry about what’s to come in this camp first.”
The process and farewell
Petaia said his recovery from shoulder surgery was going well, and he was ready to meet every NFL challenge from mid-January.
Having spent time training on the Gold Coast with American Football Australia coaches, he will leave for Florida in the new year and work with the IMG Academy, before NFL judges cast an eye over the International Player Pathway products.
Petaia acknowledged he was in no position to declare where his talents were best suited and would instead focus on “trying to express my ability and showcase what I can do across all different positions”.
But, in leaving Australian rugby, Petaia had high hopes for the Reds and was confident the Wallabies were heading in the right direction under Schmidt.
“My Reds family are really supportive. It made me feel even better about the move that they were supporting me,” Petaia said.
“I’ll definitely be supporting the boys in 2025 and ahead, and I’m looking forward to supporting the gold jersey from afar.”