The two-time World Cup winners Wallabies have confirmed a bold NFL bid.

World Cup Wallaby Jordan Petaia, who threatens to lead Australian rugby to a brighter future, has confirmed the game’s worst kept secret – that he is making an audacious bid to join the NFL.

The 24-year-old, who broke into Super Rugby at the age of 17 and became the youngest Wallaby to play in the 2019 World Cup, posted on social media on Tuesday morning that he would be joining the NFL International Pathway Programme. (IPP) Early next year.

“The decision to quit rugby was not easy and was one I thought about a lot,” Petaia wrote on his Instagram account.

“I’ve been watching the NFL since I was a kid,” he told Queensland Reds.

“Trying to play American football is something I’ve always thought about. I want to kick myself when I don’t get the chance because I don’t want to regret it.

“Now is the perfect time.

“What makes the decision so difficult is the Reds’ progress this season. I’ve been impressed with the team taking the next step with a new coaching group this year, and I see them taking another step forward in 2025.

“(Manager) Les Keith gave me some very kind words to say goodbye to me last week (at a Reds team meeting) and it was nice to hear all the players excited for me and wishing me well.

“I was really moved when I graduated from school and started going to the club.”

Jordan Petaia has confirmed he is switching codes to play in the NFL. (Photo: Adam Pretty – World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)

The 31-Testback will attend an exclusive International Player Pathway (IPP) development camp in Florida in January.

This is the same program that launched Jordan Mailata’s NFL career in Philadelphia, one of Sydney’s behemoths and one of five international players to make up the active roster since the program’s inception in 2017.

Petaia is said to be open to playing a variety of positions, including on defense as well as wide receiver or a shorter, more athletic tight end.

His speed, dodges, leaps and explosiveness all have the potential to turn heads during testing at the two-month Florida camp, which will be closely monitored by every NFL club.

Former NRL star Jarryd Hayne famously broke San Francisco’s active squad as a running back, appearing in eight games in 2015.

That was before the advent of the IPP, which was designed to streamline the inclusion of foreign talent and avoid interfering with the traditional conscription system.

NRL flyer Valentine Holmes joined the New York Jets’ practice squad at the IPP in 2019 but was quickly cut short after a pre-season where opportunities were limited.

Petaia said he was taking a risk by leaving Australian rugby, following in the footsteps of Welsh flyer Louis Rees-Zammit, who surprised many by leaving on the eve of this year’s Six Nations tournament.

“There are no guarantees,” he said. “It is an opportunity to train and learn the game over several months and showcase my potential skills in the game.”

Jordan Petaia exploded for the Reds as a teenager. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Petaia’s touted move shocked many earlier this year, but it’s a decision the explosive back has been giving his best consideration for two years.

The Reds have tried desperately to keep Petaia in the game, but a lack of communication from state agencies has not necessarily helped Queensland’s efforts.

Petaia’s legacy will be blended into rugby.

It looked like Petaia would develop into one of the Wallabies’ greatest talents when Michael Cheika survived a deep end throw against England in the 2019 World Cup quarter-finals.

But talent doesn’t necessarily translate into consistency and years of success.

He was not helped by playing right next to the backline, but remained one of the Wallabies’ most physically gifted players, able to shrug off defenders at will and create something from nothing.

Despite a poor year due to injury last season, former manager Eddie Jones had no hesitation in starting Petaia at outside center at the World Cup.

He didn’t enjoy the success he wanted during the campaign, but few did.

Jordan Petaia gestured to All Blacks captain Scott Barrett. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

But there is no doubt that he made a difference for the Wallabies, including in the air where he became increasingly known as the ‘Air Geordie’.

Keith, who has repeatedly stated that he wants to protect Petaia throughout the year, gave the talented player tremendous support.

“Jordie was a great Reds player.” Kiss said.

“We wish him nothing but the best with his football ambitions. We support him.

“He proudly represented the Queensland jersey as one of the most dynamic players in Australia, if not the world.

“The key traits are everything he gives to the young players in the locker room.”