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Wallabies recall star from the wilderness
Petaia returns after three years out of Test rugby as Kiss adds backline depth and covers injuries in a 34-man squad.
- Wallabies coach Les Kiss recalled utility back Jordan Petaia to a 34-man squad for the upcoming Test against South Africa at Optus Stadium in Perth on Sunday, marking his return after a three-year absence from Test rugby.
- Petaia departed the Queensland Reds in 2024 for the NFL, joining the Los Angeles Chargers before a hamstring injury during preseason prompted his release in August; he subsequently played 13 matches for French club Perpignan across the 2025-2026 season.
- Force playmaker Harry McLaughlin-Phillips has been named as the third fly-half following Carter Gordon's fractured fibula in Mendoza; Kiss praised McLaughlin-Phillips as "the most battle-hardened 10 of all the options."
- World champions South Africa arrive in Perth following their 3-1 series victory over the All Blacks in Baltimore; the Springboks will play at Optus Stadium for only the second time, having won by 18 points two years ago.
- Petaia will soon join Japanese club Urayasu D-Rocks, leaving his selection prospects beyond the Springboks Test and next month's Bledisloe Cup uncertain; Kiss called the camp an "ideal opportunity" to integrate the 26-year-old back into the environment.
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Sydney Morning Herald+3 Reposted by 3 other sources
Wallabies recall former World Cup star after NFL detour
Utility back Jordan Petaia has been drafted into the Wallabies squad ahead of next Sunday’s Test against South Africa following a stint with the Los Angeles Chargers.
·North Sydney, Australia
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Jordan Petaia signs his return to the Wallabies to face South Africa in Perth, three years after the Rugby World Cup....
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Total News Sources11
Leaning Left5Leaning Right1Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution63% Left
Bias Distribution
- 63% of the sources lean Left
63% Left
L 63%
C 25%
12%
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