Jordan Mailata stars as Eagles seal Super Bowl spot, Arryn Siposs races clock

Two Australians will have a chance to shine on one of world sport’s biggest stages after advancing to the Super Bowl.

An emotional Jordan Mailata reacts after the Philadelphia Eagles’ 31-7 win over the San Francisco 49ers. Picture: Getty Images

Aussie NFL star Jordan Mailata burst into tears after helping his Philadelphia Eagles into the Super Bowl after they claimed the NFC Championship crown with a 31-7 win over the San Francisco 49ers.

Mailata, 25, is set to become the third Australian to play in the Super Bowl and complete his journey from fringe NRL player with the South Sydney Rabbitohs to one of the biggest football games on the planet.

But his Philadelphia teammate, former St Kilda forward-turned punter Arryn Siposs, will have to endure a nervous wait in the next few days as he embarks on a desperate bid to overcome an ankle injury in time for the game on February 12. The Eagles will face either the Kansas City Chiefs or the Cincinnati Bengals.

Soaking it all in 🇦🇺@jordan_mailata is Super Bowl bound with the @Eagles 👏#FlyEaglesFly@[e-mail]/iC8gQ9JCvs

— NFL Australia (@NFLAustralia) January 30, 2023

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

Siposs suffered an ankle injury on December 11 against the New York Giants and missed the final four games of the regular season, but a shaky performance from replacement punter Brett Kern in Monday morning’s victory may have opened the door for a comeback in the Super Bowl.

The Eagles also have the option of signing a free agent on a short-term contract ahead of the decider.

Siposs told the Philadelphia Inquirer two weeks ago that a return to full fitness was imminent.

“Right now, the training staff is happy with how the recovery is coming and making progress,” he said.

Philadelphia Eagles first choice punter Arryn Siposs is racing the clock to be fit ahead of his team’s bid for a second Super Bowl championship.

Arryn Siposs in action for St Kilda, where he booted 22 goals in 28 games between 2011 and 2015.

“I can honestly say I can’t put a (timeline) on it, but my mindset is to be back for the next game.”

Should the Eagles win the Super Bowl, Mailata (and possibly Siposs) would be the second and third Australians to win a championship ring after Jesse Williams with the Seattle Seahawks in 2013.

A knee injury prevented Williams from taking the field during the 2013 season, but each of the players on a winning roster receives a Super Bowl ring.

Last year Aussie punter Mitch Wishnowsky made it to the Super Bowl with San Francisco, joining former Geelong AFL captain Ben Graham, who went there with the Arizona Cardinals in 2009, as the only two Aussies to have played in the big game before Mailata.

Originally published as Jordan Mailata stars as Eagles seal Super Bowl spot, Arryn Siposs races clock