NFL pro day arrives with former Wallaby among league hopefuls

Jordan Petaia’s NFL audition has arrived, with the Wallabies star among 14 foreign charges to feature in University of South Florida’s pro day in front of scouts from all 32 clubs.

The 25-year-old has spent the last 10 weeks at the NFL’s International Player Pathway (IPP) training program at Florida’s IMG Academy.

New Zealand basketballer Nathaniel Salmon and fringe Australian rugby league and union professionals Laitia Moceidreke and Laki Tasi are also among the intake.

They will be put through their paces on Wednesday (Thursday AEDT), alongside college talent from the region, before representatives from every NFL team.

Training as either a smaller tight-end or bigger wide receiver, Petaia has tested well among what is being regarded as the best-performed IPP squad yet.

IPP talents can be signed as a free agent on the spot, with roster rule tweaks implemented last year entitling teams to one international athlete exemption helping their cause.

Petaia played 31 Tests for the Wallabies, debuting for the Queensland Reds when he was 18 and becoming the youngest Australian to play at a World Cup the following year.

Injuries routinely set the versatile talent back but at his best he showed explosive athleticism coupled with terrific hand and foot skills that enabled him to play most positions in the backline.

Brisbane product Petaia had the blessing of the Reds to chase his NFL ambition, a move that meant he ruled himself out of contention to play against the touring British and Irish Lions this year, although he could still return to the code ahead of a home World Cup in 2027.