Significant setback for Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies as star center’s long-term injury may spell the end of his rugby union career

Due to a shoulder injury he suffered during the Queensland team’s 31-0 victory over the Highlanders last weekend, Reds centre Jordan Petaia will “probably” need surgery.

The Highlanders were kept scoreless for just the fourth time in history during the thrilling victory, but the Wallaby star’s brief time on the field—just over thirty minutes—was cut short.

Les Kiss, the Reds’ manager, disclosed that Petaia might miss the entire season. This implies that his match against the Highlanders could be his final match wearing maroon, as his contract with Rugby Australia is about to expire.

The coach freely acknowledged the severity of the situation, especially considering that Tate McDermott and Fraser McReight’s red cards two weekends ago have already rendered certain players unavailable.”

Probably surgery… probably miss the entire season,” Kiss remarked.

“He feels let down. Without a question, it’s a blow. A player with his level of skill and the kind of game he offers.

Combine that with Fraser (McReight), Tate (McDermott), and Seru (Uru, thumb) (the suspended)… A few talented players aren’t available.