Former Wallaby Jordan Petaia has joined an exclusive group of Australians to earn an NFL contract after signing with the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday.

The Melbourne-born 25-year-old, who represented Australia in two Rugby World Cups, inked a three-year deal with the NFL franchise after training for 10 weeks as part of the NFL’s international player pathway program.

The Chargers won the fight for Petaia’s signature, with the Kansas City Chiefs, Cleveland Browns and Atlanta Falcons among the other clubs who were interested in the Australian.

Petaia had played for the Queensland Reds since 2018 and earned 31 Wallabies caps as a utility back, and has been signed by the Chargers as a tight end – a hybrid between a receiver and an offensive lineman.

Petaia’s agent, Andrew Fairbairn, said it was a massive win for his client, who took a gamble on cracking the NFL after his Rugby Australia contract expired at the end of 2024.

“We are thrilled for Jordy, who has quietly planned this move to the NFL for some time,” Fairbarn said. “He has taken a huge risk to depart Rugby Union for the NFL IPP, with no contractual guarantee.

“After speaking with a few teams since Pro Day last week, we felt the Chargers was the best fit for him as he takes his first step in the NFL.”

More to come