Queensland Reds back Jordan Petaia is to pursue a career switch through the NFL’s International Player Pathway (IPP) program in the US.
The Queensland Rugby Union is supportive of Petaia living out his long-held dream to challenge himself in American football as announced on Tuesday.
Petaia, 24, has been a loyal seven-season fixture at the Reds since making his Super Rugby debut in 2018 just months after finishing at Brisbane State High School.
His explosive running game and ball skills have seen him play 58 times for the Reds on top of earning 31 Test caps for the Wallabies since his debut at just 19 at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.
“I’ve followed the NFL since I was a kid,” Petaia said.
“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.”
Petaia will head to the live-in IMG Academy in Florida in January to fast-track his education in American football.
“There are no guarantees. It’s an opportunity to train and learn the game over several months and showcase my potential skills in the game,” Petaia said.
A 2017 Australian Schoolboys rugby representative, Petaia will not be the first from those ranks to test himself in American football.
Colin Scotts was the groundbreaker as a member of the unbeaten 1981 Australian Schoolboys. He took on a scholarship at the University of Hawaii and was drafted as a defensive tackle by the NFL’s then-St Louis Cardinals for the 1987 season.
A more homespun transition as a NFL punter was touted playfully when former Reds fullback Chris Latham was launching his towering torpedo punts with considerable hang-time.
Petaia’s skills as a winger, fullback and outside centre were match-winning at their best for the Reds.
He scored 16 tries for the Reds, including the classic on full-time in Canberra in 2021 when the Reds upset the ACT Brumbies 40-38.
“There are so many good memories at the Reds, it’s hard to pick. To get the chance to play with a legend like George Smith in my first year (2018), the Super Rugby AU grand final win (2021) and just meeting and playing with so many good guys is just the start of it,” Petaia said.
"I've loved the last seven years at the Reds. I always came into work with a smile. I've got some lifelong mates here and I'm keen to watch the boys rip in next year."
Kiss gave Petaia a generous farewell.
“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.”
