Rugby Championship: Jordan Petaia hopeful of eventually wearing the No.15 jersey for the Wallabies

Jordan Petaia is poised for a return to a starting wing position for the Wallabies this weekend but he’s keen for a future chance at fullback.

Jordan Petaia passes the ball during a Wallabies training session. Picture: Patrick HAMILTON / AFP

Queensland Reds excitement machine Jordan Petaia wants to be a future Wallabies fullback, but for now he’s happy with a spot anywhere in Australia’s backline.

With powerful winger Marika Koroibete to miss Australia’s Rugby Championship clash against Argentina at the Gold Coast on Saturday for family reasons, Petaia looms as the likely replacement.

Injuries have hurt Petaia’s hopes of being a regular Wallabies starter this year, but he’s adamant that he’s fighting fit and ready for a good chunk of playing time this weekend.

“My body is feeling the best it’s felt in years,” Petaia said.

“It’s been going well for me. I just keep working hard and making sure that the (strength and conditioning team) is conditioning me well so I keep following that program, just sticking with it and not getting complacent.

“It definitely feels good to not have to worry about all those previous injuries.”

Still only 21, Petaia said he learnt plenty from the exploits of Koroibete.

“Marika’s work-rate across the park, it’s probably second to none,” Petaia said.

“Not many players get across (the field) like him so it’s been huge for me watching him work hard, which has been good thinking about my own game.”

Jordan Petaia on the run for the Wallabies against Argentina. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Those thoughts include eventually wearing Australia’s No.15 fullback jersey.

Tom Banks was Wallabies coach Dave Rennie’s preferred custodian option until be broke his arm, opening the door for Reece Hodge to start at fullback in Australia’s 27-8 win over Argentina last Saturday night in Townsville.

“Eventually I’d like to take on that 15 role, whether that happens next year at the Reds or later this year, I don’t know what that looks like, but if I can just keep following ‘Hodgey’ and obviously not ‘Banksy’ now, but just watching those play, seeing how they get across the park, it’s been good for my learning,” Petaia said.

“Obviously the more positions we can cover the better for the team, so it’s good for my growth as well.

“I’m just working hard to do whatever’s best for the team

Wallabies halfback Nic White warned the Argentines that he and Petaia “might have something up our sleeves” this weekend.

“When you get a guy as athletic as Jordy, you want to use him as much as possible,” White said.

Originally published as Rugby Championship: Jordan Petaia hopeful of eventually wearing the No.15 jersey for the Wallabies