Burke says Petaia needs time in the saddle before he can play fullback for Wallabies

By Tom DecentUpdated September 28, 2021 â€" 6.42pmfirst published at 5.23pm

Jordan Petaia hopes to be viewed as a fullback option for the Wallabies one day but one of Australia’s greatest players in the position, Matt Burke, believes the Queensland Reds youngster should serve an apprenticeship in Super Rugby before starting there in a Test.

Morale is high in Wallabies camp after three consecutive wins, the latest a 27-8 victory over Argentina in Townsville with another clash this Saturday against the Pumas.

An injury to regular fullback Tom Banks has ignited debate about who should wear the Wallabies No.15 jersey in the short and long term.

Reece Hodge excelled when given the opportunity last weekend and could very well start there again this week for Australia’s final Rugby Championship fixture. James O’Connor’s name has been mentioned too, however he is being viewed as more of a No.10 at present.

With winger Marika Koroibete set to be rested for the match on the Gold Coast, Petaia is the logical choice to play on the left edge.

However, Wallabies coaches may be tempted to give the 21-year-old an opportunity at fullback given there are private hopes he can flourish there in the years to come.

Jordan Petaia runs the ball against Argentina in Australia’s 27-8 victory. Credit:Getty

“Eventually I’d like to take on that [number] 15 role,” Petaia said on Tuesday. “Whether that happens next year at the Reds or at the end of this year, I don’t know what that looks like, but if I can just keep following Hodgey ... and watching those boys play, seeing how they get across the park, I think it’s been good for my learning.

“The more positions I can cover the better for the team.”

Burke, an instrumental figure in Australia’s 1999 Rugby World Cup victory, isn’t opposed to Petaia slotting in at fullback but feels he might be too raw at present.

Petaia has moved between the wing and outside-centre on the international stage. He has never played fullback at Super Rugby level but is regarded as one of Australia’s brightest young stars after bursting onto the scene at the 2019 World Cup.

“Could he get there? Absolutely. Has he had enough time with 15 on his back? No. Would he be able to play there at a pinch? I’m sure he could,” Burke told the Herald.

“It’s feeling comfortable when you’re playing there … knowing when to kick the ball or not. [There are] small things you learn in Super Rugby. You don’t want to burn these young guys and have the confidence knocked out of them by a poor performance and then you don’t get a start again.

“You need time in the saddle. That’s the biggest thing because it’s such an important position.

“I’m sure he’s got the skills but I really believe you need to do some sort of apprenticeship there. You don’t just rock up and say ‘I think this week I’ll play fullback’. There has got to be a certain progression.”

If Rennie and Wallabies attack coach Scott Wisemantel had their way, Petaia would be playing fullback for the Reds next year, but ultimately that decision will be in the hands of coach Brad Thorn.

Will Reece Hodge get another chance at fullback this week for the Wallabies? Credit:Getty

Burke feels for Banks, given he played all three Tests against New Zealand, and liked what Hodge brought to the table last week.

“Banks was flying through Super Rugby … he’s just found it a little bit harder in that Test arena,” Burke said. “When there’s these expectations of performing at the highest level, straight away you’ve got to be able to do that.

“I like the way Banks plays and gets involved and runs but it just hasn’t gone his way.

“Hodgey steps in there and does a good job last week. He tried to get involved as much as possible. He popped up and scored that try while putting a big step on which is great.

“I think that’s what’s needed in that role. Go back to the unpredictable play of fullback where you can lob up at first receiver and lend a helping hand.”

The Wallabies will name their team to face Argentina on Thursday.

Stan Sport is the only place to watch every match of the The Rugby Championship continuing this Saturday with the Wallabies v Argentina followed by the Springboks v All Blacks â€" both matches streaming live, extended and ad-free on Stan Sport from 4:15pm AEST.

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