Wallabies legend Tim Horan has called for Jordan Petaia to make a shock switch to fullback, in the best interests of Australian rugby.
Petaia, the Wallabies' biggest strike weapon at present, has been used primarily in the centres for the Queensland Reds and has played on the wing and midfield in his brief Test career.
The 20-year-old is supremely talented and the only obstacle to him becoming a genuine global star is fitness.
Petaia has endured a string of injuries in his young professional career in between eye-catching performances for club and country.
Nine and Stan Sport commentator Horan says a surprise change of position might be best for all parties.
"The big thing I think for Australian rugby is that no-one's grabbed that 15 jersey," Horan told Wide World of Sports ahead of Friday's Super Rugby AU season opener between the Reds and NSW Waratahs.
"Tom Banks had a good opportunity last year but didn't really grasp it, Dane Haylett-Petty has had a go but since Kurtley (Beale) came out of that jersey there hasn't really been someone to grab it with two hands.
"So I think you look at Jordan Petaia at the Reds and what do you do at 15? Is his best position 13 and Hunter Paisami at 12 or do you say OK, well how much does Dave Rennie have an influence on wanting to push players into different positions?
READ MORE: Andrew Mehrtens and Dave Rennie run the rule over Australia's playmaking options
READ MORE: Wallabies coach Dave Rennie on the massive strides Australian rugby must make in 2021
READ MORE: Morgan Turinui's Super Rugby AU breakout stars and players to watch in 2021
"I think that would be a great spot for him. He'd have to do a lot of work on his kicking in the next couple of years but you've got to look at who is potentially going to be your 15 at the World Cup – you've got time."
Horan, Australia's prince of centres, said playing at fullback would allow Petaia to have more influence on a game.
"He's our best attacking weapon and it gives him more freedom. I don't mind him on the wing but I find he gets a little bit… not lost on the wing but sometimes you can't get involved and we've got enough wingers."
But who would then play at 13 for the Wallabies?
Horan had a left-field suggestion.
"There's James Ramm on the wing, you could move him in," Horan said.
"There's options there but I just think we've got to look at those types of players – you need to find a position. 13 might be his (Petaia's) spot but you need to find a position where he gets his hands on the ball more than any other position in the backline apart from 9 and 10."
While still looking Australia's most exciting player, Petaia did have some speed wobbles last season as he at times forced passes and errors crept into his game.
"For him it's hard but he's got to underplay his game," Horan said.
"Pass the ball, back up and don't look for the miracle offload all the time. When you're injured two or three times in a year and you're coming back and you know you've only got two or three games to impress, you do try and overplay your game, it's just a natural instinct.
"I think Scott Wisemantel (attack coach) would have helped him a lot in the Wallabies, he's very good with his skills.
"Matty Taylor (defence coach) as well, those two guys in the Wallabies would have helped Jordy's game. But if they can start to develop, do you leave him at 13 – is that the best position for him? Maybe but you've got an opportunity to play him at 15 as well."
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.