Wallabies fans buzzing star makes return from NFL for Springboks test

The 26-year-old has been named in Les Kiss’s 34-man squad for the Wallabies’ clash with the Springboks in Perth on September 27, ending a lengthy absence from the international setup.

Petaia has not featured for Australia since the 2023 World Cup, having subsequently walked away from rugby in an attempt to pursue an NFL career. His return has already sparked a wave of excitement among Wallabies supporters on social media.

“Great to see Petaia back ???”

“LET'S GO PETAIA ??”

“Petaia back ?”

Those were just some of the reactions from fans on social media after the squad was announced.

Petaia’s journey since his last Wallabies appearance has been anything but straightforward. After stepping away from rugby following the 2023 World Cup, he was picked up by the Los Angeles Chargers as he explored a move into the NFL. That experiment ultimately proved short-lived, with the former Queensland Reds star returning to union.

He subsequently joined Perpignan in France before moving to Japan, where he signed for Urayasu D-Rocks. Now, he has another opportunity to re-establish himself at Test level. Kiss has plenty of familiarity with Petaia from their time together at the Reds and believes his versatility makes him an attractive option as Australia prepares for the Springboks.

The Wallabies coach confirmed that Petaia’s ability to cover centre, wing and fullback will be assessed once he joins the squad. “He’s been out of the Australian system for a while but it was important that we just broaden our understanding of what’s available and how they’re looking,” Kiss said.

“There’s a lot of good back three in our country at the moment that are playing here. That’s what the importance of Super AUS is for us, so we can look at these players and see them in action and keep a good eye on them.”

Kiss added: “Positionally we know he’s covered wing 15 and 13 in the past so once he hits the ground with us, we’ll have a good look at it, but it’ll be definitely in one of those positions. Likely a back three position I’d say at this stage.”

It remains unclear whether Petaia will go straight into the matchday squad against the world champions, but his selection gives Kiss another explosive option in the back three.

Petaia is not the only name attracting attention from Wallabies supporters. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips has also been rewarded with his first official Wallabies squad selection.

The 22-year-old could hardly have timed his breakthrough better. Just days before the squad announcement, McLaughlin-Phillips produced a dramatic finish against his former Queensland Reds teammates, landing the conversion after the final siren to seal a 29-28 victory for the Force in Super Rugby AUS.

His form has now been enough to convince Kiss that he deserves a place in the Test environment. McLaughlin-Phillips is one of three recognised playmakers selected, alongside Ben Donaldson and Declan Meredith, with Carter Gordon unavailable following another injury setback.

The Force recruit's selection is particularly notable given the experience that Australia could have called upon, with Bernard Foley and James O’Connor both left out. Tom Lynagh, meanwhile, has only recently returned from injury.

Kiss explained that McLaughlin-Phillips' recent performances and previous involvement with the Wallabies made him the preferred option. “It finally landed on the fact that Harry had been recently in the Nations Cup, he impressed immensely in there, he’s the most battle-hardened 10 of all the options,” Kiss said.

“I thought he played very well in the weekend in the Force’s victory over the Reds so we just felt that he was the right option to come in.”

Kiss also indicated that Foley and O’Connor remain part of the wider picture, while Japan-based Noah Lolesio was discussed before the selectors opted to continue backing players based in Australia.

Australia will arrive in Perth having put together an impressive five-Test unbeaten run, but the Springboks represent a significant step up in opposition. South Africa are coming off a 43-28 victory over New Zealand, a result which secured a 3-1 series triumph over the All Blacks.

There is, however, a feeling among some Australian supporters that the Wallabies could benefit if Rassie Erasmus chooses to rotate his squad following the physically demanding series.

RugbyBedia wrote on X: “Wabs def struggling at 10 but forwards starting to play nicely. Do think their front 5 in particular will struggle with the Bok pack but Boks will be rotating HEAVILY for this test with several guys who haven’t played a test in min a month + some 2+ mths out.”

Kiss, meanwhile, knows exactly how significant the challenge will be.

“South Africa have been the benchmark team in world rugby for a long time, and we’re motivated by the challenge of meeting them in our own backyard in two weeks’ time,” he said.

For Wallabies fans, though, the immediate focus will be on the return of Petaia. After an extraordinary two years away from the international scene, one of Australia’s most exciting backs is finally back in the picture — and supporters are clearly delighted to see it.

Forwards (19): Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Charlie Cale, Josh Canham, Tom Hooper, Isaac Kailea, Fraser McReight, Josh Nasser, Zane Nonggorr, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Billy Pollard, Aidan Ross, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Lachlan Shaw, Carlo Tizzano, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson (c).

Backs (15): Jock Campbell, Ben Donaldson, Isaac Henry, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Ryan Lonergan, Tate McDermott, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Declan Meredith, Hunter Paisami, Jordan Petaia, Harry Potter, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Kalani Thomas, Tom Wright.