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Queensland and Wallabies young gun Jordan Petaia has become the latest player to sign on until the end of 2024.
Petaia told The Courier-Mail he had knocked back significant offers from overseas to stick with Rugby Australia through the World Cup and beyond.
He follows several Wallabies including Izzy Perese, Darcy Swain and Andrew Kellaway to pen new deals in the past few weeks.
“I obviously had a few offers and that but I think in the end, sticking around right now is the best thing for me and my development,” Petaia said.
I’m still in my early 20s, so also staying around my family was a huge factor in the decision and I think this club here at the Reds is doing something great so I’m just enjoying being a part of it and playing with my mates.”
Petaia said playing at the World Cup was key to his decision.
“Every rugby player’s goal is to try and make it to a World Cup, so me sticking around, that’s definitely a factor to try and play my best again to try and make the Rugby World Cup squad and try to get some sort of silverware,” Petaia said.
Rugby Australia confirmed the news on Thursday.
“The 22-year-old’s recommitment to Australian Rugby is a major win for the code and puts him in a strong position to make the national squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France,” RA said in statement.
Wallaby number 930, Petaia scored on his Test debut against Uruguay as a 19-year-old at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan and went on to take out the Rugby Australia Rookie of the Year award in the same year.
Born and raised in Brisbane, Petaia has worn the gold jersey on 16 occasions and the maroon of Queensland 35 times, including starting on the wing in their 2021 Harvey Norman Super Rugby AU triumph.
Known for his athleticism and skill under the high ball, Petaia has shown his versatility across the backline in recent years, playing in both the centres and across the back three.
Wallabies coach Dave Rennie said: “Jordan’s an impressive young man and his re-commitment to Australian Rugby is a massive positive for Reds and Wallabies supporters.”
“He’s an outstanding athlete who’s developing his skill set and game awareness as well as making shifts in his preparation which will ensure he gets the most out of his potential.
“At only 22, he’s still scratching the surface of what he’s capable of as a player and remaining in Brisbane will give him stability to continue to grow off the field as well.”
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.