The Rise of Australian Players in the NFL- A Journey Across Continents

In the latest developments from over at the NFL, the 2025 International Player Pathway Program, a 10-week training and development camp, will feature no less than three Aussie standout athletes.

With Australian rules football emphasizing powerful kicking and strategic positioning, it’s no surprise that Aussies have become highly sought-after as NFL punters. Players like Darren Bennett and Michael Dickson have paved the way, proving that Australia is a hotbed for special teams' talent. As more players follow in their footsteps, the NFL is witnessing an influx of Aussie talent, blending precision and power on the global stage.

For avid NFL fans and aspiring punters, connecting with this international journey is easier than ever. Whether tracking players or seeking opportunities to engage with the sport, enthusiasts can register through reference sites offering sportsbook and casino sign-up bonuses. For those interested, it has never been easier, because all you have to do is view the AussieCodes list right here to find exciting deals and further immerse yourself in the growing Australian presence in the NFL.

The International Player Pathway Program

While it’s never a sure bet that the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program will place potential players in teams, this intensive course is a high-status program that’s designed to turn out the best players from around the globe. Since 2017 the program has placed international rising stars in an intensive NFL camp, designed to upskill quickly in a sport that may or may not be familiar to players. After the intensive 10 weeks in Bradenton, Florida, each athlete is allowed to either be signed as a free agent, or selected for the next NFL Draft.

This year, there were three Australians picked among a contingent of just 14 athletes, adding up to 20% of the program numbers. For a nation as small as Australia, this is a big win.

The three Australian players chosen for this season’s IPPP camp were Jordan Petaia, Laitia Moceidreke, and Laki Tasi. These players join others from Fiji, France, Germany, Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, Lethoso, the UK, and Zimbabwe.

Jordan Petaia

Jordan Petaia is a Victorian-born and Brissie-raised rugby union player who has been playing with the Queensland Reds since 2018. Born in 2020, and with an Australian and Samoan background, Petaia has also played for the Australian team. Placed in the IPPP camp, Petaia comes in as a tight end.

Laitia Moceidreke

Laitia Moceidreke was also born in 2000, with a Fijian background, and is another rugby player - but this time for the other code, rugby league. Laita has played with both the North Queensland Cowboys and the Newcastle Nights. However, the player was dropped and in a career lull, but after an NFL tryout on the Gold Coast, the IPPP camp was an offer too good to pass up. Laita is also being placed as a tight end.

Laki Tasi

Laki Tasi is another rugby union player looking to make the leap into the NFL. After dropping 25kgs the man mountain has been one to watch in the Queensland leagues. Over in the IPPP training camp, we’re expected to see Tasi take on a role in the offensive line.

Jordan Mailata: A Success Story

If we want to talk about the IPPP and Australians, well then Jordan Mailata is definitely worth a big mention in the story. Jordan attended the second IPPP training camp in 2018 and was subsequently signed by the Philadelphia Eagles as an offensive tackle. After a background in Australia with the junior South Sydney Rabbitohs team, NFL officials approached Mailata to join the IPPP camp.

Being picked 233rd in the 2018 NFL Draft was a dream come true, especially with no formal NFL training before the camp. Jordan signed a four-year contract, which was renewed for a further three years in 2024, and has already played in one Super Bowl, although the team lost to the Kansas City Chiefs.

A Tricky Road to Take

While there’s plenty of interest in rugby talent from Australia by the NFL teams, it can be a tricky road to take for players. While there are skills that can be applied from one sport to the other, it still is, after all, a whole new ball game.

For youngsters coming up in the Australian codes it can be important to remember that one day you might get a chance to enter the NFL - so make should to try out playing a game or two! And for the latest crop of hopefuls going through the IPPP, we hope we get some great results and see some signings in the near future. Fingers crossed!