Super Bowl champion Jordan Mailata has revealed which NRL player he believes could follow in his footsteps and succeed in the NFL.

Speaking on the Tech Guide podcast, the 28-year-old Australian, an offensive tackle for the

Philadelphia Eagles, was asked which rugby league player would thrive in the American competition, naming South Sydney fullback Latrell Mitchell.

WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.

Watch every game of every round of the Premiership Season LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1 >

“Latrell would be a great tight end. He could (also) be a receiver,” Mailata said.

“I compare him to (Philadelphia wide receivers) AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith. He would be a good blocking tight end with a receiving tight end too.”

Mailata played junior rugby league with Bankstown Bulls and Five Dock RSL, representing Canterbury’s SG Ball side and South Sydney’s under-20s team before quitting rugby league.

He was drafted by Philadelphia in 2018 before becoming an integral part of the team, helping the Eagles win Super Bowl LIX last year.

Asked about the difference between the two football codes, Mailata explained: “I think NRL is way more physical but NFL is harder because you have to think more. There’s not much thinking in the NRL. I’m sorry, there’s just not.

Latrell Mitchell of the Rabbitohs. Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

“The NFL is exactly like a chess game. When I break it down like that, people say, ‘Yeah, I can see that.’

“NRL will always be the most physical, tougher game but the harder game to play is NFL, because you have to think so much. The biggest misconception about the NFL is the pads, protection, head gear, helmets. That doesn’t help you at all.

“I’m telling you now, and I keep telling people, just put the pads on and you’ll find out. It doesn’t really protect you. It just gives an excuse for the defender to recklessly throw themselves at you and do it 60, 70 times a game.

“We might have some start-stop, whatever you want to call it, yes, that’s true but move a man against his will from point A to point B, to get the job done, to win the game, 60, 70 times a game, it’s hard.

“The (NFL) culture, it’s almost Army-like. I’ve never been in the Army but they are long days and regimented. Twelve hour days. That shocked me.”

CANDIDATE EMERGES TO REPLACE TE’O

Former Broncos captain Justin Hodges has reportedly thrown his hat in the ring as a potential replacement for departing Brisbane defence coach Ben Te’o.

The Broncos are searching for a new assistant coach following Te’o’s bombshell resignation on Tuesday, which came three games into the season. The 39-year-old, who apparently had a heated run-in with head coach Michael Maguire, was contracted with the club through to the end of 2028.

“I will go through a process now on what’s best for the team,” Maguire explained when asked about Te’o’s potential replacement.

“If that is potentially getting someone in, I will do that.

“I’ve got some staff already here who are very capable.”

News Corp reports that Brisbane has been bombarded with inquiries and expressions of interest following Te’o’s resignation, with Hodges offering his services to the club.

The 43-year-old, who represented the Broncos on 195 occasions between 2000 and 2015, has served an assistant coach for their feeder club Souths Logan in the Queensland Cup.

Justin Hodges has put his hand up to help the Brisbane BroncosSource: Supplied

“I’m busy with work at the moment but if the club needed my help this year, most definitely,” Hodges told News Corp.

“I love the Broncos and rugby league is my life, so I would never say no to helping them out.

“They’ve got to make sure the next person they bring in for the blue shirt can handle the spotlight for the rest of the year.”

SHARKS SIGN TEST STAR

The Cronulla Sharks have sealed the signature of English international Owen Trout, with the Super League star set to join the club in 2027 on a two-year deal.

The 26-year-old has played 124 first-class matches in the Super League, representing the Leeds Rhinos, Huddersfield Giants and Leigh Leopards.

The Perth Bears had previously shown interest in Trout, but the Sharks have secured his services, becoming the club’s first UK import in almost 50 years.

“Owen’s style of play is well suited for success in the NRL and we believe he is at the right stage of his career to make the move,” Sharks General Manager Football Darren Mooney said in a statement.

“He still has a job to do at Leigh, and our focus is firmly on the current NRL season, but we look forward to welcoming him to the club in due course.”

Trout made his Test debut during last year’s Ashes series against Australia.