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.”
RayinSydney
Roar Rookie
Good news, hope he gets over the injury issues as he's full of talent and only 22, I wonder though with being at the Reds, and having Thorn as coach who went through his career and very late into it with incredible fitness with a very low injury rate, that he hasn't simply asked, 'how'd you do it?'....I'd like to know myself too , you never know when the 'Canes might need me!
jameswm
Roar Guru
A bit rough calling her loose.
Jockstar
Guest
So injury primed at such a young age. I think he’s reached his peak
Wheelbarrow
Roar Rookie
Yeap - she has the ‘force’ but doesn’t use it!!
Carvin
Guest
Carrie Fisher??
Wheelbarrow
Roar Rookie
Still a huge work in progress. Good to keep him but needs to stop the loose Carrie’s and passes..
Laurence King
Roar Rookie
Agree, picked far too early. Amazing to think that he is only 22 as it seems that he has been around forever.
Dean
Roar Rookie
Fantastic news!
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Congratulations to him, the Reds and Wallabies. Another player locked in, I am sure that more will do this also! I will add congratulations Wallaby supporters, happy days.
tsuru
Roar Rookie
I wonder if he was taking notice of what Perese – for one – said about his experience away from home in France. And it sounds, from Rennie’s comment, that Dave may have mentioned that.
Tooly
Roar Rookie
Could we get him sponsored by St Johns , Medicare or MBF ? They might take Wilson as well , he’s always grimacing under pressure. They are both vital to our Rugby fortunes however.
adam smith
Roar Rookie
Agreed Jc…not just good news for the Reds & Wallabies though, it’s great for SuperRugby as a whole :happy:
jeznez
Roar Guru
Excellent news.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Safe to assume though that he has taken a pay cut to stay in Aus.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Fantastic news.
jcmasher
Roar Rookie
Great news for QLD and the Wallabies. let's hope he stays injury free
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Terrific news. Well done Reds
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Good to see the lad staying and repay RA for selecting him too early. Injuries, injuries and injuries. But he looks to be over them, at least for now
Short Arm
Roar Rookie
I think he's done the right thing sticking around family & friends at his young age.
Boots
Guest
"Knocked back significant offers from overseas" seems to be stretching what he actually said, which was "I obviously had a few offers and that"