Mailata finds feet in NFL for Eagles

JORDAN Mailata is not a former rugby league player any more.

“I’m a football player,” the giant 157kg Philadelphia Eagles offensive-tackle said after starting for the first time in his team’s first win of the year against the San Francisco 49ers.

The one-time South Sydney under-20s player has spent three years with the Eagles honing his craft, having been drafted by the NRL powerhouse despite never having played the game.

Mailata came on as an injury replacement in Philadelphia’s season opener and got more game time last weekend.

But he was picked to start at left tackle for the Eagles after first choice Jason Peters was placed on injury reserve with a foot injury.

Mailata (pictured) earned praise from Eagles coach Doug Pedersen for being part of an offensive line which played “tough”.

“Jordan has been getting a lot of reps over there at left tackle and that’s his spot,” he said.

“He’s been comfortable there, we’ve been comfortable with him there, and I thought overall he did some good things tonight. He played well.”

Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz also said Mailata did “great” playing as his protection.

“I’m so proud of him just stepping up. We didn’t know who was going to play this week and decided yesterday it was Jordan’s time,” he said.

“For him, how hard he’s worked ever since he has been here to get this opportunity, on Sunday night football, and to do a great job ... he held his own.”

Sent to work in a nationally televised game, Mailata showed he was all upside.

His best moment came with five minutes left in the first quarter when he made a big play in the Eagles’ first touchdown-scoring drive. Mailata helped punch a hole in the San Francisco defence and allowed Eagles running back Miles Sanders to dart upfield for an eight-yard gain.