World News – UA – ‘I’m still in shock’: Why rugby keeps Petaia afloat after dad’s sudden death

Jordan Petaia is arguably the most exciting prospect in Australian rugby and at just 20 years old he is about to make his first inning – on the start against the All Blacks on Saturday night

On August 5, the Petaia family were deeply shaken when Petaia’s father Tielu suffered a heart attack He was 57 years old

Petaia was in the room when the moment unfolded and couldn’t come to the aid of her hero

In the middle of the AU Super Rugby season, and with a game in two days… against the Waratahs in Sydney, Petaia was numb For days he didn’t speak

– It was a shock and so sudden, â ???? Petaia told the Herald – The first few days to a week I didn’t say too much I got a little dumb In some parts I’m still in shock This is something I just can’t figure out After season I hope I leave this tour and go back with my family Hope things will normalize

Jordan Petaia and his parents Tielu and Helen after Australia’s 45-10 win over Uruguay at last year’s Rugby World CupCredit: Rugby AU Media

– I can’t dwell on it too much or it’ll just consume my thoughts and send me to these dark placesâ ????

Petaia withdrew from the game against NSW at SCG He then saw his teammates, clearly affected by the news, suffer a nasty 45-12 loss

The agony of sitting at home, with thoughts doing more harm than good, was too much for Petaia to bear so he agreed to take the land just 10 days after his father died

/ p>

He scored the game’s first try in a 19-3 win over the Melbourne Rebels

– I spent time with my family and they talked about what they thought I should do, – Petaia said – Obviously rugby was part of my life and my dad’s He loved her It was also a pretty big distraction not to constantly dwell and think about what had happened It was good not to think about itâ ????

If he hadn’t returned to rugby, Petaia fears what headspace he would have found himself in

– I probably could have let go a bit and go to that dark place, â ???? Petaia said “I had a really good group of people around me at home; family and friends Even in the Reds, the boys surrounded me a lot It was not easy but it made it easier to get through this periodâ ????

Petaia wasn’t alone at the Reds, where others had experienced the exact same numbing pain

Jordan Petaia of the Wallabies kicks the ball during the Bledisloe Cup match between the New Zealand All Blacks and the Australian Wallabies at Eden Park on October 18, 2020 in Auckland, New ZealandCredit: Getty Images

Coach Brad Thorn, second rower Izack Rodda and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto all lost their dads early in their playing careers

The latter, also named to face the All Blacks at ANZ Stadium, said Petaia is seriously resilient

– I didn’t want to encumber him too much, – Salakaia-Loto said – I let him know that I was there, but a part – as rough as it sounds – lets them have this experience Not trying not too much to be there for him You have to go through it yourself This is what makes you the man you are going to be

– Everyone was in pain for him It was a pretty tough week for us as a team too We got whipped But he was fine He was coming to Ballymore and training and it was a reflection of the group

When Petaia returned for the Reds, the smile had evaporated From a distance, he looked deflated, and that’s understandable

But coming back to Auckland Park against the All Blacks in Bledisloe II and adding to his three appearances with the Wallabies was cathartic in a way It also brought great joy to his family

â ???? I feel like my family love it when I play, so I do my best to stay healthy and continue to make them proud, â € “ Petaia said – It sheds light on such a dark year Hope that me and the boys can do a job ????

A horrific string of injuries has also hampered Petaia’s young career and everyone in Aussie rugby is hoping he comes out on the other side

Two years ago in Padua, Petaia learned on the Thursday before Australia’s test with Italy that he was going to make his debut This afternoon he did his hamstrings

In 2019, Petaia lined up in just two Super Rugby matches A World Cup debut, with her dad looking proudly at Oita, softened 12 months upside down Then, earlier this year , his shoulder is gone

â ???? I went to a pretty dark place, â ?? Petaia said – But then I saw a little light when the competition went down… ????

After her father’s death, Petaia found his rhythm but winced in pain on the grass at GIO Stadium as he sustained a hip injury in the AU Super Rugby Final

He has recovered now and will start out of center, claiming he was totally focused on helping the Wallabies take out the All Blacks, but those around him can’t help but turn away. ‘admire the very resistant young footballer with so much to offer

– He’s one of a kind, – Salakaia-Loto said – There aren’t many players that I have seen doing what he did The only one that comes to mind with whom I had the chance to play is Izzy

– No matter what is destined for him I’m sure he will do well and make his family proud I’m just in awe of how he has performed this year because it’s not easy Everyone knows he’s a monster There aren’t many players out there who can do what he’s doneâ ????

Australian National Rugby Union Team, New Zealand National Rugby Union Team, Bledisloe Cup, Brumbies, Rugby Championship, Dave Rennie