Former Wallaby Jordan Petaia signs deal with the Los Angeles Chargers

Former Wallaby Jordan Petaia has been signed by the Los Angeles Chargers as he pursues his NFL dream.

Former Wallabies star Jordan Petaia’s NFL dream is well and truly alive after signing a three-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Petaia, 25, has joined the Chargers as part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway training program.

The ex-Queensland Red, who played wing, centre and fullback during his rugby union career, has been signed by the Chargers as a tight end.

Jordan Petaia has been signed by the Chargers. Picture: NFL UK & Ireland

The ex-Wallaby is on a three-year deal. Picture: Phil Walter/Getty Images

Petaia, who played in 31 Tests for the Wallabies, parted ways with the Reds at the end of last year to pursue his NFL dream.

He trained at the NFL’s IPP academy for 10 weeks and impressed at a pro day at the University of South Florida on March 26.

The IPP program offers “elite athletes from around the world with experience in other sports the opportunity to improve and develop their skills to earn a spot on an NFL roster”.

welcome to LA, mate ⚡️

we’ve signed TE Jordan Petaia → https://t.co/ssn4tnRcmYpic.twitter.com/EAGl0pJNlb

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) April 3, 2025

Petaia’s effort to earn a contract with the Chargers has been hailed by former rugby league player Jordan Mailata, who won the Super Bowl last year with the Philadelphia Eagles.

“I am super proud of Jordan and I think the opportunity he has is tremendous,” said Mailata, who played for South Sydney under-20s before being invited to the IPP program in 2018.

“It is such a great career move for him and also great that he will be closer to home on the West Coast in LA.

“I know the Chargers are going to invest in Jordan, and he is going to invest and buy into the whole process. I couldn’t be prouder of him.”

Originally published as Former Wallaby Jordan Petaia signs deal with the Los Angeles Chargers