Super Rugby AU: Queensland Reds star Jordan Petaia missed NSW match after death of his father

Reds sensation Jordan Petaia has paid a heartbreaking tribute to his father Tielu after he died suddenly last week, prompting an outpouring of support from fellow Wallabies players.

Jordan Petaia has paid tribute to his dad, who died from an apparent heart attack last week.

Heartbroken Queensland Reds star Jordan Petaia was a late withdrawal from Saturday’s Super Rugby AU clash with the Waratahs following the sudden death of his father this week.

Picked in the run-on side for the first time in five months after undergoing shoulder surgery, Petaia did not join his teammates on the lunchtime flight from Brisbane to Sydney.

The 20-year-old sensation had considered playing to honour his father, who was one of his biggest supporters, but remained in Queensland and was replaced in the Reds squad by Jack Hardy, who scored a consolation try in the team’s 45-12 defeat.

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Jordan Petaia was due to make his return to the run-on side for the Reds on Saturday night.

It was an emotional match for the Reds, who were joined by NSW in taking the field wearing black arm bands.

“That was a tough one,” Reds coach Brad Thorn said.

“We’re feeling for him and his family. His dad was a wonderful man.

“We’re just thinking of Jordy.”

Seiuli Salatielu Petaia died suddenly on Wednesday night after suffering an apparent heart attack.

His son paid tribute to him with an emotional posting on his Instagram account.

“Seiuli Salatielu Petaia. These last few days I’ve been trying to get away from it. I can’t seem to keep the tears away. I ain’t ever felt pain like this. I hate feeling like this. I still can’t believe what’s happened. Your heart and mind were so pure. So selfless and caring yet so tough. You helped give us kids every opportunity at life. I wish you could’ve seen what I had planned for our lives. I’m going to miss that infectious smile and laugh everyday. Gods gained another real one. I’ll love and miss you forever Dad.”

Known as Tielu, Petaia’s father travelled to Japan last year to watch his then teenage son play at the World Cup.

Wallaby Matt Toomua, whose family is very close to the Petaia’s, extended his condolences after leading the Rebels to a shock win over the Brumbies on Friday.

“On behalf of the Petaia family and extended family, thank you to everyone who‘s given their support, both teams and individuals. This is a very hard time for us,” Toomua said.

“Tielu was loved by many and all the guys knew him as the Uncle who was always downstairs at the hotel after games and greeting everyone. He was very loved. The family wishes to thank the Reds and Rugby Australia for their support and care.”

Petaia is the third Reds player to lose his father in the past two years after lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and former teammate Izack Rodda also lost their dads.