Recalled Wallaby Jordan Petaia has ‘good memories’ of his NFL stint

Returning Wallaby Jordan Petaia insists he’s happy with his brief NRL foray despite failing to make an impact for the Los Angeles Chargers.

Petaia, 26, is back in the Wallabies fold for the first time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup after being named in an extended 34-man Australian squad for next Sunday’s Test against South Africa in Perth.

The former Queensland Reds outside back quit rugby in late 2024 to chase his dream of playing in the NFL.

In April 2025, he was signed by the Chargers on a three-year-deal as a tight-end after taking part in the NFL’s International Player Pathway training program.

However, four months later his time with the Chargers came to an abrupt halt when he was waived by the club after suffering a hamstring injury.

Soon after, Petaia returned to rugby, joining French Top 14 side Perpignan.

His global journey continued in July this year when he signed with Japanese club Urayasu D-Rocks.

“I’m happy with how everything is going and where my life’s at,” Petaia said on Sunday from Wallabies camp in Perth, before adding he had “nothing but good memories” from his attempt to play in the NFL.

“Obviously, (it was) unfortunate how it panned out, but ... I’m happy with how it went.

“I met so many cool people, made so many new friends, made some new memories as well, experienced a lot of cool stuff, and learned a lot of stuff.”

Among the lessons Petaia learnt was ways to prepare for matches that he felt had him better suited for the rigours of rugby

“I definitely found a way with my body a lot more over there and learned how to go about my daily life differently,” he said.

“I watched a lot of the pros there, so it was cool to see how they go about their business and pick up a few little things from them.

“My body changed a lot over there, and then coming back (to rugby) last year, I’ve come back down (with body weight) to what I was playing at for rugby.