Friday, October 11, 2024

Hammer blow for Joe Schmidt? Wallabies star nears NFL switch with British & Irish Lions series on the horizon

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Reds and Wallabies utility back Jordan Petaia has reportedly turned down lucrative offers from clubs in Europe and the NRL to chase his NFL dream.

Earlier this year it was revealed that, just like former Wales winger Louis Rees-Zammit, Petaia is keen on making the code switch by joining the NFL’s International Pathway Program (IPP).

And according to an AAP report, it has been confirmed that the Wallabies star will attend January’s exclusive IPP development camp in Florida.

Petaia’s Reds contract set to expire

Petaia‘s current Reds contract expires at the end of November and he will not receive a pay cheque until at least April 1, if one of the 32 NFL franchises signs him.

The 24-year-old has made 31 appearances for the Wallabies since making his Test debut at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan but his career has been blighted by injuries.

He is currently recovering from a shoulder injury which ruled him out of the latter stages of the Reds’ 2024 Super Rugby Pacific campaign.

The Brisbane-based side are supporting Petaia’s NFL ambitions and the goal is for him to recover from his shoulder injury so that he can make a favourable impression at the IPP camp in January.

Australian rugby sensation to follow Louis Rees-Zammit in chasing NFL dream

The Reds are hopeful Petaia will re-sign with them next season, and not join a rival Super Rugby Pacific club, should he fail to sign a contract with a NFL franchise.

“Jordy’s on a pathway to some other opportunities but we’ve got a good handle on it,” said Reds head coach Les Kiss.

‘We have our finger on the pulse’

“He’s here now (training at Ballymore), so there’s good communication with him and we have our finger on the pulse at that evolves.”

Petaia has featured at full-back, centre and on the wing in rugby union and it is understood that he is open to playing playing multiple positions as an NFL player.

That includes in defence but also as a wide receiver or as a shorter, more athletic tight end.

If an NFL franchise signs Petaia it will be a setback for the Wallabies as they are set to face the British & Irish Lions in a highly anticipated three-Test series in Australia in 2025.

READ MORE: State of the Nation: ‘Competitive’ Wallabies still improving, but lack of consistency ‘kills’ Rugby Championship campaign

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