Jordan Petaia's move to the NFL hit a big stumbling block today as the Chargers waived/injured the former Wallaby, but another Australian is set to get a chance at NFL glory.
There is a chance Petaia could revert to injured reserve for the team, but in the meantime the Chargers have added a tight end to the roster in a corresponding move - fellow Australian, and fellow former Australian schoolboys Barbarians player Thomas Yassmin.
Yassmin spent the 2024 season with the Denver Broncos on their practice squad as part of the IPP program, signing as an undrafted free agent, before being waived earlier this year.
After a strong 2022 campaign at the University of Utah, the Sydney-born tight end saw his final year of college thwarted by injury.
He now has an opportunity to earn a spot on the Chargers' 53-man roster, and a place on an offense that boasts Justin Herbert at quarterback, Ladd McConkey and Keenan Allen at wide receiver and first round running back Omarion Hampton.
Speaking with ESPN after a training session in Los Angeles, Yassmin said it was an "unexpected" surprise to get the call.
"About 48 hours ago I was actually picking up my missus from the airport in Denver. On the way, I get a call from the Chargers saying 'hey, so you want to come in for a visit in a few hours?'" he explained.
"I looked at her, because we're doing long distance, but I said I have to take it, so I literally drove her back [home], packed a day bag, drove straight back to the airport, onto a flight and got in at midnight. Woke up early, did my physicals, had a workout, then got the good news.
"[Today] I got thrown in, coaches have been really good, just kind of guiding me. Obviously I have to learn the playbook, but telling me what to do so I can get out there, get some reps in, listen to the calls - it's been great."
Yassmin said while the circumstances of replacing another Australian on the Chargers' roster was "unfortunate", it was great to see more Australians coming through the International Player Pathway (IPP) system.
"I know Jordan, unbelievable guy, we played Aussie Schoolboys together ... I think now with the IPP and how it's working, there's a lot of Australian talent. So I think now it'll be more of a common thing than it was a couple of years ago. I'm blessed the have the opportunity, it is unfortunate, the circumstances, but I'll take it when I can."