Jordan Petaia rejects foreign advances to stay loyal to Wallabies ahead of Rugby World Cup

The Wallabies have locked in one of Australian rugby’s most important assets until the end of 2024 in a massive win for the code and Queensland Reds.

Queensland Reds Jordan Petaia. Patrick HAMILTON/AFP

Jordan Petaia has spurned significant northern hemisphere interest to remain in Australia and push for World Cup glory with the Wallabies.

Regarded as a star since his teens, Petaia has finally shed the injury woes that cost him consecutive seasons on the sidelines and will remain with the Queensland Reds and Wallabies through next year’s World Cup in France and until at least the end of the 2024 season.

“I obviously had a few offers and that but I think in the end, sticking around right now is the best thing for me and my development,” Petaia said.

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Jordan Petaia has inked an extension with the Wallabies and Queensland Reds until the end of 2024. Photo: Stuart Walmsley / Rugby Australia

“I’m still in my early 20s, so also staying around my family was a huge factor in the decision and I think this club here at the Reds is doing something great so I’m just enjoying being a part of it and playing with my mates.”

Petaia said playing at the World Cup was a huge factor in his decision to stay in Australia.

While changes have been made to the Giteau Law - now known as the offshore player policy - it still restricts Wallabies coach Dave Rennie to just three players not based in Australia and Petaia has decided not to gamble with a move at this stage of his career.

“Every rugby player’s goal is to try and make it to a World Cup, so me sticking around, that’s definitely a factor to try and play my best again to try and make the Rugby World Cup squad and try to get some sort of silverware,” Petaia said.

Jordan Petaia will remain in Brisbane with family after linking with the Queensland Reds until the end of 2024. Photo: AFP

“Next year will be a massive year for every rugby nation with the World Cup and the Wallabies have been building something really special here over the last few years and are still working towards getting to that next level.

“It’s something I’m looking forward to.”

But personal tragedy has also driven the decision.

Petaia lost his father Sala-Tielu just over a year ago to a sudden heart attack in an event that made his close-knit clan even tighter.

“My sister moved up from Melbourne this year and my other sister moved up the year before,” Petaia said.

“Everyone being around each other has been great.

“Once dad did pass, everyone was a bit everywhere, so it’s good that everyone is back in Brisbane and being around each other has been good and it’s good to stick around in those hard times.

Jordan Petaia will remain with the Wallabies for at least the next World Cup in France. Photo: Getty Images

“But we got through it, I’m still getting through it all right but it’s made us stronger people as well.”

Petaia suffered a foot injury in 2019 that threatened his World Cup campaign but was still part of Michael Cheika’s team at the last World Cup aged just 19.

The following year he lost swags of time with a dislocated shoulder.

But it was those closest to him that helped him through and he has come to realise they are key to him playing his best rugby.

“If I’m around family and loved ones and have that support, (that’s when I’m playing my best footy),” he said.

Queensland Reds player Jordan Petaia will remain in the code. Photo: Brendan Hertel/Queensland Rugby

“Not only through footy but through those injuries, that was one of the main factors that kept me going - having the support of my family and everyone around me.

“It’s my fifth year (in Super Rugby) now, so it’s gone pretty quick.

“There’s been highs and lows … I obviously had those years with back-to-back injuries and long-term stuff so it’s made me appreciate how good I’ve got it here and how good it is when I’m healthy and playing footy.”

Originally published as Jordan Petaia rejects foreign advances to stay loyal to Wallabies ahead of Rugby World Cup