Amusing interview with a rugby player Jordan Mailata, a big man and a great sportsman. They’re talking about South Sydney Rabbitohs and Philadelphia Eagles, Jordan Mailata’s coach Jeff Stoutland, and the future union position of Jordan. If you’re a fan of rugby, this interview will definitely be interesting and catchy for you.
– From Australia, our guest live here on NFL Network's Draft coverage Jordan Mailata of the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
– Thank you.
– Good to see you.
– Thank you for having me. It's an honor to be here.
– You bet! Why do you want to play National Football League football?
– It's a fun sport, you know. Why not give it a try? Being 21 years of age, I thought to give it a try. I'm still young. Also, I didn't realize how athletic sport was, so, I guess, choosing to make the choice to come here, I've not regretted it one bit. So, it's been an absolute brainstorm over of an experience.
– So, let's take this a step back. First of all, what's a Rabbitohs?
– It's pretty much a rabbit. It’s called a “Rabbitohs”. I'm not sure who came up with that name but it's pretty much a rabbit.
– And when did this whole process start? I mean why? How?
– Towards the end of my rugby last year, I composed a little highlight video and, you know, as a backup just to figure out what I was going to do with my life. Kind of my agent knew some NFL people who run this international program and I was fortunate enough to get their attention and, next thing you know, they floated me out to LA last November and I've worked out for them and, next thing you know, I'm fortunate enough to get on the program, start training in Bradenton for the last three or four months. I was trying to pick up the game of football. I know I'm far behind but it’s a challenge and it's something that I knew that I had to take on, so…
– I want to know – I don't watch a ton of rugby, but when I look at your highlights, you look, you're enormous. Is there anybody close to your size that you play rugby against? Because this looks like you're playing with kids. You are so massive out here, run over these poor guys.
– I was considered one of the biggest rugby league players.
– Is there anybody bigger than you?
– Yeah, one of the biggest. Who else is there?
– There is one guy. Yeah, but he's about, like, 270 pounds.
– Right.
– So, they're talking to you about playing offensive line. Is that – I look at you with your movements and you look like a friggin tight end to me, man! You’ve got big hands. Can you catch?
– Of course, I can catch. In Rugby League, we have to pass the ball.
– Why don't you say, dude, split me out wide, let's go?
– I'm enjoying my time.
– This is what I want you to do.
– Yes, sir.
– When you get in the meeting room with Jeff Stoutland, the offensive line coach…
– Yes.
– I just want you to stand up and try to say, you know guys, I don't need to be a lineman, I'm a tight end. Just get up and just walk out.
– Nice.
– I don’t think that’s going to go down well…
– He caught that, he caught that right in the beginning. He's going now.
– Listen, with your experience now, getting on the radar where football – NFL football – becomes an option… Jarryd Hayne who would come over and play for the San Francisco 49ers and then came back to rugby. Do you know him? Have you had any experience talking to him about his experience here? Have you accumulated any knowledge in that direction?
– Unfortunately, I do not know Jarryd Hayne personally. We haven't really connected, so, you know, I'm sure now we might have a few words.
– I just wonder, if he came and did it for a couple of seasons, maybe you might be able to accumulate something.
– Okay, so, let's get down to it here. Did Russell Crowe sign your checks?
– Oh my god, Rusty. Great bloke. Let me start by saying that he's a great bloke.
– His friends call him Rusty.
– Yeah, so he's a great bloke. And I'm not sure if he signs the checks but somebody does.
– Okay. Secondly, what do you know about Philadelphia?
– Well, one fact that Jeff Stoutland keeps reiterating to me is that they're the Superbowl champions. So, that's one thing that he keeps saying. I need to learn my history and something I need to take on.
– How much do you know about football? I mean, you know the rules. What are you comfortable with?
– Yeah, I’ve been learning football fundamentals of it for the last 3-4 months.
– Have you worked with coach Stoutland at all?
– Yes, I had a pro day about a couple of weeks ago, maybe 3-4 weeks.
– What did he reinforce? What are the number 1 or 2 things you've got to kind of get under control?
– It’s my explosiveness. I’m trying to have more body power just to keep driving your legs.
– Keep those hips.
– Especially the hips. That's one thing that he kept on saying.
– Has he told you anything about who you're going to be seeing when you get to practice there with the Philadelphia Eagles on that defensive line with all the talent they've got there?
– No, I'm sure we’ll going to talk about it tonight. He's gonna give me a call tonight and we’ll talk about it.
– We’ve got to get you to stand up here because, I'm wondering, if the one guy, maybe, makes Cam Newton look little like a quarterback, it might be this guy right here.
– Wow. Big thanks to a big man.
– Thank you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsO94KFdJPc
