Petersen served with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in World War I and it was here that he developed his football skills, playing for the "Trench team".

[3] Petersen began his career with the Marist Old Boys club in Christchurch and in 1919 was first selected to represent Canterbury.

Petersen made an immediate impact and was one of the six Marist Old Boys players who were selected to represent New Zealand that season.

In total, Petersen played in three Test matches for New Zealand in rugby league.

[3] Petersen was part of the 1926–1927 tour of Great Britain that was marred by strike and he was one of the seven players suspended for life by the New Zealand Rugby League on his return.