Former rugby union worldwide Jordan Petaia is a step nearer to realising a long-held dream of taking part in within the NFL after signing with the Los Angeles Chargers as a decent finish.
Petaia, who earned 31 caps for the Wallabies, turned his again on union late final yr after being handed a prized spot on the league’s worldwide participant pathway (IPP) programme.
The previous Queensland Reds star was put by way of his paces on an American soccer subject – and within the classroom – for 10 weeks on the IMG Academy in Florida earlier this yr, earlier than trialling in entrance of all 32 NFL golf equipment.
The Chargers, who completed second of their convention final season, had been impressed with what they noticed of the 25-year-old and introduced a deal on Thursday.
As a qualifying worldwide participant, Petaia will fill an exemption spot underneath new NFL guidelines, and may be referred to as onto the roster at any stage.
Petaia, who turned the the youngest participant to signify the Wallabies in two Rugby World Cups, is adept at taking part in anyplace throughout the again line in rugby, making him appropriate for the tight-end place on an NFL subject.
He joins fellow Australians together with former NRL participant Valentine Holmes and Jordan Mailata in graduating from the IPP to an NFL crew.
Mailata turned the primary Australian to win a Tremendous Bowl ring with the Philadelphia Eagles final yr, and the IPP class of 2018 alumni mentioned he was assured Petaia would take advantage of the chance introduced to him.
“I’m tremendous pleased with Jordan and I believe the chance he has is great,” mentioned Mailata. “It’s such an incredible profession transfer for him and in addition nice that he will likely be nearer to residence on the West Coast in LA.
“I do know the Chargers are going to spend money on Jordan and he’s going to take a position and purchase into the entire course of. Couldn’t be prouder of him.”
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Petaia mentioned when he gained a spot on the IPP that he had been a fan of the NFL since he was a baby.
The IPP program was launched in 2017 with the goal of figuring out untapped expertise from a various vary of different sports activities, and giving chosen athletes an opportunity to develop their abilities and in the end a spot on an NFL roster.
The NFL is endeavor a push into the Asia-Pacific area, the place Australia is seen as a big world market with a rising fan base. The league opened workplaces on the Gold Coast and established an NFL Flag soccer program three years in the past. In 2026, the NFL’s first common season recreation in Australia will likely be performed on the MCG.
