Jordan Mailata has made history become the first Australian to play in and win a Super Bowl after being rejected by the NRL because he was too big. 

The a 27-year-old offensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles was instrumental in the Eagles thumping 40-22 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX.

Mailata’s journey to the NFL has been remarkable.

A former rugby league player from Sydney, he transitioned to American football through the International Player Pathway program. 

His raw talent and impressive physique caught the eye of the Philadelphia Eagles, who drafted him in 2018.

This Super Bowl victory is especially sweet for Mailata and the Eagles, as it erases the sting of their loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII just two years prior. 

Jordan Mailata has become the first Australian to play in an NFL Super Bowl and win

He started his career in rugby league, playing for Balmain and South Sydney feeder teams

And it came after then-South Sydney Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire admitted the fringe first-grader was never going to make it in the NRL.

‘He was too big [to play NRL]. He came in at 150-odd kilos and got himself down to around 130kg,’ Maguire has admitted previously. 

‘To his credit Jordan got himself down to the 130s but there was a lot of work that he needed to do. 

 ‘I remember going to the gym early and he’d be there at 6 in the morning trying to burn the size but I think it was a natural place for him to end up at the NFL.’ 

Under the guidance of offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, Mailata honed his skills and developed into a dependable starting tackle. 

His powerful blocking paved the way for the Eagles’ dominant rushing attack throughout the season, culminating in their Super Bowl victory.

‘Jalen Hurts looks to be in complete control of his game right now,’ commentator Dan Orlovsky said.

‘He has been in rhythm, it’s happened quickly and they’ve made big plays down field.’

The towering giant was deemed too big for the NRL so tried his luck in the NFL, to great success

Jordan Mailata is a Super Bowl champion!!!!!!!!! From a South Sydney Rabbitohs junior to a Super Bowl champion!!!!!!!!! You’ve done us Aussies so extremely proud!!!!!!!!!! 🇦🇺❤️ #SuperBowlLIX #SBLIX pic.twitter.com/UcUktI4yDa

— Tyler Villagra ❤️🤍 (RIP BLACK MAMBA 26/1/20🙏💔) (@TylerVillagra24) February 10, 2025

JORDAN MAILATA IS A SUPER BOWL CHAMP!!!!!!!! 👏 🇦🇺HISTORY MADE!!!! CONGRATS!!!! 🎉🎉🎉 pic.twitter.com/5kBAQxCne1

— ESPN Australia & NZ (@ESPNAusNZ) February 10, 2025

Fans were lining up to praise the gentle giant after the huge Super Bowl win.

‘Mailata has been an incredible ambᴀssador for the sport in the region & now has SB champion to add to All Pro,’ one posted.

‘All of Australia claiming this one! Congrats @jordan_mailata, much deserved, fab story,’ added another.

‘Jordan Mailata finally gets the ultimate reward for all his work,’ posted yet another.

While Mailata is the first Australian to play and win a Super Bowl, he is not the first to earn a Super Bowl ring. 

Jesse Williams, a defensive tackle for the Seattle Seahawks, received a ring in 2014 despite not playing during the season due to injury.

Williams, who hails from Queensland, also made history as the first Indigenous Australian to earn a college football scholarship in the United States. 

He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 2013 but faced numerous injuries throughout his career.

Despite the setbacks, Williams’ Super Bowl victory with the Seahawks in 2014 marked a significant milestone for Australian players in the NFL.