'I'd like to take on that 15 role': Wallabies flyer Jordan Petaia eyes eventual fullback switch

The door is open for Petaia to stake his claim for the Wallabies' No. 15 jersey with Tom Banks set to miss the Spring Tour with a broken arm.

The 21-year-old has already tasted Test rugby at outside centre and on the wing, with Wallabies coaches keen to add another string to the bow of the Queensland Reds flyer.

Reece Hodge has filled the void at fullback since Banks came off injured against South Africa with Petaia biding his time on the bench.

Now he may get another chance in the Wallabies' starting line-up with left winger Marika Koroibete to miss Saturday's game against Argentina on the Gold Coast.

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"Eventually I'd like to take on that 15 role, whether that happens next year at the Reds, or the end of this year," Petaia said.

"I don't know what that looks like but if I can just keep following Hodgey and obviously not Banksy now, but watching those boys play and seeing how they get across the park has been good for my learning.

"The more positions I can cover, the better for the team. It's good for my growth as well."

Petaia has endured a frustrating start to his Test career. Shoulder reconstructions, foot injuries and thigh strains have threatened to derail the prodigiously talented young gun's future.

But now Petaia can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

"My body is feeling the best it's felt in a lot of years, touch wood, but it's been going well for me," Petaia said.

As the rising star gave credit to the Wallabies' strength and conditioning staff, Wallabies scrumhalf Nic White interjected.

"He doesn't want to say it, he's in some shape at the moment, holy. Has he built a body or what? You should see him in the gym with his shirt off," White grinned.

"When you get a guy as athletic as Jordie here, you want to use it as much as possible. We've got a fair few guys with decent rugby brains that know how to use that. Let's get the big horse the ball."

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