Jordan Mailata, the offensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles, has offered straightforward guidance to the NRL as it seeks to enter the US sports market.
Having started his journey with the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Mailata's notable highlight reels, showcasing his formidable size and strength, led him into the NFL's international pathways program.
The 2025 Super Bowl champion maintains a strong admiration for rugby league, declaring that NRL players are "the best athletes in the world."
Since 2024, the NRL has taken steps to launch its Round 1 matches in Las Vegas, aiming to tap into the expanding US sports betting scene, backed by a five-year agreement for a presence in Nevada.
This initiative has seen continuous growth since its inception, with devoted Super League and NRL fans descending upon Allegiant Stadium, enhancing the Las Vegas tourism experience.
With record-breaking ticket sales this year, it's evident that there is significant interest in the NRL's future expansion within the United States.
During a conversation with Wide World of Sports, Mailata reflected on the Las Vegas season opener, pointing out a significant flaw in the NRL's US strategies.
"I was watching that game actually, and I was like, 'You know - they've got to let the boys play'," he explained.
"They just 'gotta' let them play, man."