Ex-Wallabies star’s candid revelation on Super Bowl winner’s impact in his decision to make NFL switch
Ex-Wallabies flyer Jordan Petaia, who has signed a deal with NFL outfit the LA Chargers, and Philadelphia Eagles star Jordan Mailata.
Former Wallabies utility back Jordan Petaia has revealed the role which NFL star Jordan Mailata played in his decision to make the switch from rugby union to American football.
Like Petaia, Mailata is also an Australian and the offensive tackle was part of the Philadelphia Eagles squad that won this year’s Super Bowl courtesy of a 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in New Orleans.
Mailata, who is a former rugby league player, made his debut for the Eagles in 2020 and has been a regular on their active roster ever since.
Petaia, who made 31 Test appearances for Australia and represented his country at the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups, said seeing Mailata making it big in the NFL inspired him to follow in his footsteps.
“Definitely, I saw him go over, I followed his journey quite closely,” Petaia told The Sydney Morning Herald. “I was sitting in my car one day going to training, listening to him on a podcast with the Kelce brothers [NFL superstars Travis and Jason].
‘I took a lot out of that’
“He was emphasising that if you’re an Aussie athlete thinking about it, give it a crack. With me already thinking about it for a while, seeing him have a crack and leaving no stone unturned, I took a lot out of that.
“It definitely inspired a lot of Aussies over here and I’m sure you’ll see a lot more to go and pursue their dream.”
Earlier this month, Petaia signed a three-year contract with the LA Chargers and has started the process of trying to make their 53-man roster.
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The 25-year-old will play as a tight-end for the Chargers and they acquired the services of the former Wallabies flyer after he impressed in the NFL’s International Player Pathway (IPP) Pro Day trials.
Petaia’s decision to switch codes was a surprising one as he was sure to be in the selection mix for the Wallabies’ eagerly anticipated series against the British & Irish Lions later this year, while Australia is also set to host the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
A tough decision
However, his gamble of making the move to the NFL has paid off although he admitted that it was not an easy decision.
“It’s been in the works for a while,” Petaia said of his code switch.
“I’ve been with the Reds and Wallabies for seven years. It was a big decision, something I thought about a lot. Just with how it ticked in the back of my brain for all of these years, since I first started my pro rugby career, it’s always lingered there.
“I’ve always been a fan of the game since I was young. With other guys going to the IPP system before me, I would have regretted it if I didn’t take the opportunity to go over, have a crack and pursue my dream.
“I’m happy I did that and made the choice to go over. The opportunity presented itself and I’ll pursue it with all I’ve got.”
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