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Off-contract Jordan Petaia ‘likely’ set for season-ending shoulder surgery
By AAP
Jordan Petaia may have played his last game of rugby union, with the off-contract Queensland Reds and Wallabies back likely needing season-ending shoulder surgery.
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The two-time World Cup talent was injured in Friday’s defeat of the Highlanders, Reds coach Les Kiss on Tuesday confirming he was set to go under the knife.
“Likely surgery … likely be out for the season,” Kiss said ahead of Saturday’s clash with the top-of-the-table Blues.
“He’s disappointed. It’s a blow, without a doubt, a player of his calibre and the type of game he brings.
“Couple that with (the suspended) Fraser (McReight), Tate (McDermott), Seru (Uru, thumb) … some good players unavailable.”
It’s Petaia’s second season-ending shoulder injury. He also suffered a long-term foot injury and battled thigh, hamstring and concussion setbacks in a six-year professional career.
The 31-Test Wallaby is off contract beyond this season and has been linked to an NRL move to St George Illawarra, as well as rugby moves to Japan and Europe.
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“Those are conversations with RA, but we’d like to ensure he stays around. I don’t think it complicates anything in my head,” Kiss said of retaining Petaia.
“He’s a good rugby player … hopefully he’s all right by the end of the season and could do some more things then.”
Meanwhile, Kiss said Josh Flook was a chance to play the Blues as he manages his own “acute” shoulder injury that saw him miss last week’s 31-0 victory.
And influential flanker Fraser McReight has had his suspension for a high tackle reduced from three to two weeks after completing World Rugby’s coaching mitigation course.
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That means the Wallabies back-rower will be available for next week’s clash with the Crusaders.
