Suliasi Vunivalu rejects NRL return to join Will Skelton’s French club La Rochelle
Two Wallabies are taking very different career paths in France and the USA, with Suliasi Vunivalu rejecting a return to the NRL in favour of French glamour club, JAMIE PANDARAM reveals.
SULIASI Vunivalu is set to reject an NRL comeback to join French glamour club La Rochelle, while Jordan Petaia is set to pursue a an NFL career.
The developments around the two Wallabies come after the Queensland Reds released their 2025 Super Rugby squad, and both Vunivalu and Petaia were missing.
While Vunivalu had been linked to a possible return to rugby league – having played four seasons with Melbourne Storm – it’s understood he has signed a short-term “medical joker” contract with La Rochelle and could be playing in the Top 14 within a fortnight.
La Rochelle also features Wallabies star Will Skelton, French captain Gregory Alldritt and former All Blacks halfback Tawera Kerr-Barlow, and they’re third on the Top 14 ladder.
It was clear Vunivalu was leaving Australian rugby when he was left out of both the Wallabies’ spring tour and Australia XV squads.
Some NRL clubs then reached out to the 28-year-old winger, but he’s sticking to union in the northern hemisphere.
Petaia, meanwhile, has been linked to a shock switch to the NFL for months.
The 24-year-old, who has played 31 Tests and in two World Cups for the Wallabies, has endured an injury-plagued career but is now set to take his biggest career gamble.
Like Jarryd Hayne, Valentine Holmes and Welsh star Louis Rees-Zammit, Petaia is expected to attempt to gain an NFL roster spot through their International Pathways Program.
Reds coach Les Kiss said last month the club was supportive of Petaia’s plans.
“Jordy’s on a pathway to some other opportunities but we’ve got a good handle on it,” Kiss said.
“He’s here now (training at Ballymore), so there’s good communication with him and we have our finger on the pulse at that evolves.”
The Reds have named a powerful squad for next year’s Super Rugby Pacific season, with the addition of Rebels lock Josh Canham and return of Wallabies winger Filipo Daugunu strengthening their team.
Queensland have also added Northern Suburbs Shute Shield playmaker Jude Gibbs to their roster.
“Jude has played finals with Norths for the past two seasons in Sydney,” Kiss said.
“He is a versatile player capable of playing flyhalf, inside centre and fullback. He has a great kicking game and is an impeccable goalkicker.
Gibbs added: “It’s what I’ve been working for over a long time.
“I’m really grateful for all I’ve learnt at Northern Suburbs and the experience of two grand finals.
“Those losses put in perspective just how important the big moments are in big games and how vital a strong start is in being able to control emotion and the external pressure.
“It’s going to be an awesome experience to continue to develop at the Reds.”
Reds skipper Liam Wright recently underwent a shoulder operation and will be racing the clock to be fit for their opening game on February 21 against Moana Pasifika.
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