A Meeting of Giants
Jordan Mailata, the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive tackle, is known for his calm under pressure. From winning the Super Bowl to performing on The Masked Singer, he has shown remarkable composure. However, even this seasoned athlete found himself in a situation that made him lose his words—meeting his childhood idol, Benji Marshall.
Mailata, who signed a three-year deal with the Eagles worth over $100 million, recently attended a function in Brisbane alongside NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and several NRL officials, including ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys. During the event, the conversation turned to which team Mailata supported growing up. He revealed it was the Wests Tigers, thanks to his admiration for Marshall.
V’landys confirmed he offered to call Marshall for Mailata, but the NFL star declined, saying: “No way, I wouldn’t even know what to say to him. I’m too nervous. I haven’t prepared anything.” This hesitation led to some disbelief from Marshall, who initially thought he was being pranked when told about the call.
Despite his nerves, Mailata eventually spoke to Marshall for about 15 minutes in a quiet corner of the room. Marshall later expressed how surprised he was to receive a call from the Eagles’ star and praised Mailata for being a role model for young Polynesians. He also assured Mailata that the door at the Wests Tigers’ Concord headquarters was always open.
V’landys was unaware of the specifics of their conversation but was impressed by Mailata’s humility and kindness. He said: “I was impressed by Jordan. He is so down to earth and a beautiful human being. So is Benji. They’re both great role models for their cultures and show no matter your circumstances you can be top of your field.”
The Impact of a Legend
Marshall has been instrumental in the Wests Tigers’ impressive start to the NRL season, with the team sitting equal top after six rounds. However, he has been modest about his role, emphasizing that only six rounds have been played so far. Despite this, the players, both young and experienced, have spoken highly of his influence.
Latu Fainu shared his admiration for Marshall, saying: “I idolised him as a player – I feel like we connect more with him because he was a player, and he understands us more.” Co-captain Api Koroisau added: “I don’t know if there was a bigger player in the game when he was playing, and when he was at the peak of his powers. I’m still in awe of him, seeing him every day, walking around and talking to me about footy. He’s one of those guys who naturally has that [aura].”
Koroisau also welcomed the return of fellow captain Jarome Luai for Saturday’s clash against the Broncos. He said: “He brings more energy and confidence than anyone else – he kicked off that culture we have now, and to have him back is immense.”
Looking Ahead
The discussion also touched on Jahream Bula and whether he would recommit to the Tigers. Koroisau expressed hope that Bula would stay, stating: “Jahream is a special talent, a great player and someone we really love having here. I hope he stays. I know everyone will have an interest in him. If he wants to be here, he will. We’re praying he stays.”
He also addressed public commentary by Phil Gould, the Bulldogs official who praised Bula during Sunday’s Channel Nine broadcast. Koroisau said: “It doesn’t matter [what Gould said]. Everyone will be interested, regardless if they say it out loud or not.”
