Australian rugby star Jordan Petaia’s future has been a major talking point over the past couple of weeks as he closes in on his first professional deal in the National Football League (NFL).
It was Petaia’s lifelong dream to break into the world’s most valuable sporting league. When the chance presented itself, he grabbed it with both hands.
His switch from rugby to the NFL sent shockwaves across Australia, but it was a no-brainer decision after being handed a spot on the league’s international player pathway (IPP) programme.
Petaia was the first athlete to get a spot in the 2025 program and didn’t need to think twice before making the switch, although he had already established himself as a world-class rugby player.
Petaia played for the Queensland Reds and was also an established player in the Australian rugby national team. He made history for the Wallabies, becoming the youngest player to make his debut at the 2019 World Cup.
He struggled with recurring injury problems during his six-year career in Super Rugby, but it ultimately worked in his favour as he was deployed in several roles.
His skill set and physical attributes make him suitable for different positions on an American football team, including wide receiver or tight end.
Petaia played 58 times for the Reds and scored 80 points. His former team left the door open in case his NFL dream hits the buffers, but he could be heading for stardom with four teams on his trail.
NFL Clubs Battling to Sign Petaia
The Australian star is currently being tracked by the Los Angeles Chargers, Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons and Kansas City Chiefs.
As a lifelong fan of the Chiefs, Petaia would relish the prospect of playing alongside Patrick Mahomes.
The Aussie star primarily trailed as a tight-end in the IPP. Joining the Chiefs would give him the chance to learn the trade under one of the greatest of all time in that position, Travis Kelce.
The future Hall of Famer is expected to call time on an illustrious career after next season, and the Chiefs are already planning for life without their star tight end.
Petaia has shown he has all the tools required to thrive in that position, which is why the Chiefs are weighing up a move for the Aussie star.
The Chargers are also hot on Petaia’s trail as they look to provide support for veteran Will Dissly, who recently pledged his allegiance to the club with a new three-year contract worth $22 million.
Petaia has trained in the wide receiver position and as a defender, but scouts were particularly impressed with his route running and catching skills at the tight end.
Switching from Super Rugby to the NFL is no easy feat, as the intricacies of American football demand a steep learning curve, but Petaia has shown he has what it takes to succeed in the NFL and live out his childhood dream.
He’s working closely with IPP coaches to improve his gridiron knowledge and fast-track his understanding of the game.
The Eagles May Join the Race for Petaia
The Philadelphia Eagles have had great success with Aussie star Jordan Mailata, and they could bet on his compatriot to follow a similar trajectory.
Mailata was an unknown quantity in American football but has established himself as a key figure in the Eagles’ offensive line, and Petaia could be another gem for Philadelphia.
Petaia’s proposed move to the NFL is a huge talking point for football fans, and it could have a massive impact on the betting markets in Australia if joins the Eagles.
Punters, especially those use the fastest withdrawal betting sites in Australia, will be eager to back the Eagles to win back-to-back Super Bowls if the Aussie duo are leading the charge.
The Eagles are the bookmakers’ favourites to retain the crown, and Petaia’s presence on the team would likely result in their odds being cut on Aussie sportsbooks.
Petaia would offer the Eagles versatility, which is valuable for any NFL side looking to add depth to their squad. Much like fast withdrawal options, signing Petaia would provide the Eagles with a speedy payout on their investment.
He recently revealed that he had spoken to Mailata, who was also a graduate of the IPP system, so the prospect of linking up with the Super Bowl champion in Philadelphia would appeal to him.
The Eagles already have one of the league's top tight ends in Dallas Goedert, so that could factor into their decision-making.
However, Petaia has shown he has the potential to thrive in the NFL, and the Eagles could be made to regret missing out on him later on.