Mailata warns: it’s a long way to the top
JUST five years after he arrived in the United States having never played a minute of American football, Australian Jordan Mailata will start for the Philadelphia Eagles against the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl today (Australian time).
The rugby league reject’s success in learning how to play the game, getting drafted by the Eagles and then establishing himself as a top-level offensive tackle, is the biggest success story yet for the NFL’s attempt to recruit internationally.
But while there is no shortage of young men, in Australia and beyond, desperate to follow in his footsteps, the 25year-old has a blunt warning for them. “It is not easy, the Americans rule the sport for a reason and it is not easy to get to where I am,” he said.
“Kids have to understand that. You have got to work harder just to get even, you have to play catch-up. You have to be willing to sacrifice and have the grittiness to grind through it all and keep pushing through.”
The 203cm tall, 166kg Mailata played junior rugby league and was taken on by NRL side Souths. But he failed to cement a spot with the Bunnies so his agent began circulating videos, highlighting his physique, power and strength and the NFL took the bait.
“When I decided to leave (Australia) I knew the risks ahead and the hurdles I had to overcome. But I knew that wasn’t going to stop me,” he said.
Mailata has looked relaxed and comfortable through the build-up to the Super Bowl and perhaps for once, he has an advantage over his American teammates. “They’ve been dreaming about this since they were kids,” he said. “But for me, the Super Bowl dream only started five years ago.”