"I just want to keep my starting spot," he said. "Now that he's had a significant taste of Super Rugby and has been ruled out an Australian U20s campaign so he can continue his rookie season for Queensland, Petaia has one clear goal in mind. "Just talking to me about little things in my game, showing me a few tips and tricks - they've been great.
Petaia credits Samu Kerevi and Chris Feauai-Sautia with accelerating his growth and developing his attacking arsenal, the pair taking the teen under their wing since his arrival at Ballymore. His first Super Rugby try displayed all of those qualities, popping up in exactly the right spot as Taniela Tupou busted the Hurricanes line on Friday. He has quick feet which dodge oncoming defenders with ease, a sharp turn of foot and an astute Rugby mind, always providing support for players which break the line. "Watching Petaia, it's clear that the game comes naturally to him. He showed as much in a stellar Queensland and Australian Schoolboy campaign last season and he looks just as comfortable under the bright lights of Vodafone Super Rugby as he did playing against boys his own age. "It is still surreal to think that I was playing schoolboy footy this time last year but I'm blessed to be here and can't thank all the coaches I've had enough for giving me the opportunity. "It's always been at the back of my mind but it wasn't really until Grade 11 where I thought it could become a reality.
"I'd always wanted to play footy as a pro - ever since I was a kid," he said. He credits his State High coaches for affording him the chance to shine on Queensland schoolboy Rugby's biggest stage but as a boy from Springwood who only started playing the 15-man game five years ago, Petaia's rise is testament to his dedication to the craft. Petaia is a laidback customer off field but on field, his sole focus since making State High's First XV has been turning a childhood dream - playing football professionally - into reality. "So to now be in this position - I just feel pretty blessed."
"My goal this year was just to play U20s," Petaia said. On Saturday night, he will make his fourth-straight start on the left wing for the St.George Queensland Reds, a meteoric rise that the 18-year-old admits is still surreal. This time last year, Jordan Petaia was preparing for a First XV season with Brisbane State High School.
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