NFL's Los Angeles Chargers waive ex-Wallabies star Jordan Petaia

Hamstrung former Wallabies star Jordan Petaia's NFL dream has hit a hurdle less than a fortnight into the preseason after he was waived by the Los Angeles Chargers.

But a hamstring injury forced him out of training this week.

Wallabies World Cup player chases NFL dream Photo shows Jordan Petaia playing for the Qld Reds Admitting his decision wasn't easy, Wallabies and Queensland Reds player Jordan Petaia confirms he will compete for an NFL shot at Florida's international player pathway program.

The Chargers announced on Friday morning AEST Petaia had been waived and replaced by fellow Australian IPP graduate, tight end and former schoolboy rugby player Thomas Yassmin.

Under new rules introduced last season, IPP players can be carried by clubs in an extra roster spot and activated at any stage.

Injuries regularly interrupted Petaia's 31-Test career for the Wallabies after he debuted for the Queensland Reds at 18 and become the youngest Australian to play at a men's Rugby World Cup in 2019.

The 25-year-old knocked back lucrative European rugby and NRL offers — and the chance to feature for the Wallabies against the British and Irish Lions — to instead give up at least five months of pay to pursue his NFL dream.

Petaia could still be retained by the Chargers on the injured reserves list, or picked up by another NFL club.

Atlanta, Cleveland and Kansas City had shown interest in Petaia after the Australian impressed at the University of South Florida's Pro Day.

Sydney-raised Yassmin enjoyed a college football stint at the University of Utah.

He was picked up from the IPP program by the Denver Broncos, where he spent last season on their practice squad.

AAP

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