Aussie NFL star Jordan Mailata has a chance to become just the second Aussie to win a Super Bowl after helping the Philadephia Eagles to an NFC Championship Crown with a 31-7 win over the San Francisco 49ers.
A victory in a fortnight’s time would see Mailata’s fairy tale engrained in stone, completing his rise from a fringe Sydney Rabbitoh in the NRL to a Super Bowl winner.
Mailata will become the third Aussie to play in the NFL’s biggest game and if successful against the Kansas City Chiefs, the second Australian to claim a Super Bowl after Jesse Williams achieved the feat in 2013 with the Seattle Seahawks.
From a South Sydney junior to the Superbowl 🐰🏈 Congrats to Jordan Mailata and the Philadelphia Eagles on the big win! Can't wait to watch you rip in 💯😤❤️💚 pic.twitter.com/INpMQ2jiI2
— South Sydney Rabbitohs 🐰 (@SSFCRABBITOHS) January 29, 2023
While Williams did not play in the Super Bowl, every player on the winning roster receives a Super Bowl ring.
Mailata, 25, played a pivotal role in the dominant win on Monday morning (AEDT), with his side’s offensive line allowing just one sack in the clash.
He burst into tears in the moments after the win in emotional scenes.
Soaking it all in 🇦🇺@jordan_mailata is Super Bowl bound with the @Eagles 👏#FlyEaglesFly @ESPNAusNZ @7Sport pic.twitter.com/iC8gQ9JCvs
— NFL Australia (@NFLAustralia) January 30, 2023
Meanwhile, teammate and fellow Australian Arryn Siposs is racing the clock to be fit to play the Chiefs.
Siposs, the Eagles’ punter, suffered an ankle injury in December and missed the final four games of the regular season.
While Philadelphia could sign a free agent on a short-term deal for the Superbowl, Siposs’ comments to the Philadelphia Inquirer two weeks ago suggest he’s optimistic of featuring on February 13 (AEDT).
“Right now, the training staff is happy with how the recovery is coming and making progress,” he stated.
“I can honestly say I can’t put a (timeline) on it, but my mindset is to be back for the next game.”
Replacement punter Brett Kern put in a shaky performance on Monday morning in what could be a positive for Siposs.
Mitch Wishnowsky and Ben Graham are the two Australians to play in a Super Bowl in 2022 and 2009 respectively.