Wallabies star Jordan Petaia looking at shock code switch as rugby uncertainty affects players
Growing uncertainty in Australian rugby is leading to more players to consider playing elsewhere, including the National Football League.
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Wallabies star Jordan Petaia has informed Rugby Australia that he has serious interest in a switch to the NFL.
The outside back has already been in contact with NFL officials, who want him to enter the International Pathways Program later this year.
The off-contract Petaia could have rejected the idea and removed himself from the list of targets, but instead has told RA that he is now considering the mammoth switch.
It’s understood Petaia has not ruled out remaining in rugby, but growing uncertainty around the game and its future is forcing all off-contract players to reassess their options.
The news comes after Wallabies five-eighth Carter Gordon opted to sign a two-year deal with NRL club Gold Coast Titans, the second 2023 World Cup player to switch to league after Mark Nawaqanitawase signed with the Sydney Roosters for 2025.
Petaia has seen the incredible switch made by former Wales winger Louis Rees-Zammit, who declared for the IPP and has since signed with two-time defending Super Bowl champions Kansas City Chiefs.
Petaia, who played against Rees-Zammit at last year’s World Cup, has similar athletic gifts and fancies himself to succeed if he went through the IPP.
While hampered by injuries throughout his career, Petaia showed at the World Cup he remains one of the game’s most dangerous attacking weapons.
Rees-Zammit has been listed as a running back by the Chiefs for the 2024-25 season, set to receive hand-offs from the NFL’s biggest star, Patrick Mahomes.
The 23-year-old has signed a three-year deal with the Chiefs worth around $1.36 million a year. However, because this will be his rookie season, Rees-Zammit can renegotiate the terms of the deal if he is a breakout success.
The NFL’s highest paid running back, Christian McCaffrey, recently signed a contract extension with San Francisco 49ers worth $27 million a year.
Petaia would be lucky to receive an offer of $350,000 annually from RA, who are cash strapped and now conducting firm contract negotiations with players without wavering from their numbers.
Having offered NRL star Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii a record $5.35 million over three years starting in 2025, as well as having prop Taniela Tupou earning $1.2 million a year and teenager Max Jorgensen signing a two-year deal with $1,050,000, the days of RA splashing the cash are well and truly done.
They’re already $50 million in debt through a loan – which they expect to pay back from profits received after next year’s British & Irish Lions tour – while they negotiating a broadcast extension with partners Nine and Stan Sport.
However, they need a significant upgrade on the $33 million they’re receiving now.
That has been made trickier after they pulled the licence of the Melbourne Rebels, who entered voluntary administration and were found to be carrying a $23 million debt bill.
One less team in next year’s Super Rugby Pacific tournament has seen Australian and Kiwi counterparts come together this week to discuss new formats that would not result in a reduction of the broadcast pay for next year, and also push the price upwards from 2026.
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Originally published as Wallabies star Jordan Petaia looking at shock code switch as rugby uncertainty affects players
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