Former Wallabies star Jordan Petaia's NFL dream is well and truly alive after signing a three-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Petaia, 25, has joined the Chargers as part of the NFL's International Player Pathway training program.

The ex-Queensland Red, who played a winger, centre and fullback during his rugby union career, has been signed by the Charges as a tight end, which is described as an offensive position in which a player is required to act as both a blocker and receiver.

welcome to LA, mate ⚡️

we've signed TE Jordan Petaia → https://t.co/ssn4tnRcmY pic.twitter.com/EAGl0pJNlb

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) April 3, 2025

Petaia, who played in 31 Tests for the Wallabies, parted ways with the Reds at the end of last year to pursue his NFL dream.

He trained at the NFL's IPP academy for 10 weeks and impressed at a pro day at the University of South Florida on March 26.

The IPP program offers "elite athletes from around the world with experience in other sports the opportunity to improve and develop their skills to earn a spot on an NFL roster".

Petaia's effort to earn a contract with the Chargers has been hailed by former rugby league player Jordan Mailata, who won the Super Bowl last year with the Philadelphia Eagles.

"I am super proud of Jordan and I think the opportunity he has is tremendous," said Mailata, who played for South Sydney under-20s team before being invited to the IPP in 2018.

"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. I couldn't be prouder of him."

NCA NewsWire