Les Kiss issues urgent Jordan Petaia request to Rugby Australia

Although Reds head coach Les Kiss feels star utility back Jordan Petaia will not be making a switch to the NRL, he has urged Rugby Australia (RA) to better protect their players.

Petaia, who is set to return to action against the Rebels this week from a concussion setback, is off contract at the end of this season and there are several of Australia’s leading rugby league clubs who have expressed an interest in acquiring his services.

The NRL have already claimed a major coup with the Sydney Roosters signing Wallabies and Waratahs flyer Mark Nawaqanitawase.

Negotiating with NRL club

According to a Sydney Morning Herald report, NRL club St George Illawarra Dragons have started negotiations with Petaia‘s management, who also look after Nawaqanitawase’s interests, about a possible switch when his RA contract expires.

Kiss, who was a rugby league wing for Queensland during his playing days, wants RA and the Reds to make retaining Petaia’s services one of their priorities.

“I think it’s front and centre,” he told AAP. “When I talk about succession, I always put retention first and recruitment second.

“Someone like Jordy’s important with who you want to retain. Keeping good rugby players is important in the game.

“There’s massive upside in Jordy. I know he can play 15, 13, wing. But increasing other skill sets are the things that excite him.

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“Everything should be done in a sustainable way, but someone like Jordy is important to keep here.

“He is the type of player fans can connect with. He’s got something special. He’s super competitive, strong, big, powerful.”

Kiss believes the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour to Australia would also be a huge incentive to keep players in the 15-a-side code.

“We feel pretty comfortable with what we’re offering here,” he said.

Dual code international expects Petaia to shine in the NRL

Former dual code international Karmichael Hunt is currently working as a coach in Australian rugby league’s lower divisions and believes Petaia will be a hit in the NRL.

“I’m a huge Jordan Petaia fan,” Hunt told AAP.

“I was (at the Reds) when he first started turning up in the junior systems and his athletic ability, explosiveness and all-round skill means he could play anywhere.

“I would love to see him play rugby league. Whether he makes the jump over in the future I am not sure but he would be a very successful outside back in the NRL, a centre or full-back.

“He has that ability to bounce around, fend and create havoc for the defensive line. I’d love to see it in league.”

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