Jordan Petaia has taken his first significant step in realising his NFL dream by agreeing a deal with the LA Chargers, despite reported interest from Kansas City Chiefs.

The former Wallabies star, who has appeared at two Rugby World Cups, has signed a three-year contract with the franchise and will start the process of trying to make the 53-man roster.

Petaia does not therefore quite follow the same path as Louis Rees-Zammit, who this time last year was joining a Chiefs team that contained the likes of Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.

There was a suggestion that the 2020, 2023 and 2024 Super Bowl winners were looking to bring in the Australian, but he has opted for the Chargers instead after going through the International Player Pathway Program.

‘Huge risk’

“We are thrilled for Jordy, who has quietly planned this move to the NFL for some time,” manager Andrew Fairbairn 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.”

It may prove to be beneficial for Petaia, despite the obvious lure of the Chiefs, given that Rees-Zammit’s stint in Kansas ended before the season even started.

The ex-Wales star then signed for the Jacksonville Jaguars as a wide receiver and has returned for the 2025/26 campaign, hoping to finally get his shot in the NFL.

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Although the former Wallaby, like the Welshman, was used in the outside backs in rugby union, he is being seen as a tight end in American football.

Petaia is certainly smaller than a lot of the players who tend to feature in that position, but his explosiveness and athleticism have impressed NFL scouts.

The 31-times capped Test player may not have the out-and-out speed of Rees-Zammit, but he has much better vertical and broad jump scores.

Jordan Mailata influence

Petaia will duly hope to follow another Australian Jordan Mailata, who played age-grade rugby league, in becoming an established NFL star.

The 28-year-old signed for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018 and was a key part of their triumph in the Super Bowl earlier this year.

“I am super proud of Jordan and I think the opportunity he has is tremendous,” Mailata said.

“It is such a great career move for him and also great that he will be closer to home on the West Coast in LA.

“I know the Chargers are going to invest in Jordan and he is going to invest and buy into the whole process. Couldn’t be prouder of him.”

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