Sāmoan NFL star champions sport’s growth in the Pacific

Lafoga Jordan Mailata, a Sāmoan-Australian star in the National Football League (NFL), is celebrating his 28th birthday in Aotearoa New Zealand.

On Monday, Mailata and his wife were welcomed with traditional Māori and Sāmoan ceremonies by children from local primary schools at the College Rifles Rugby and Sports Club in Remuera.

Mailata describes the experience as “heartwarming” and unlike anything he has encountered before.

“I can’t really explain it. I’ve never been welcomed like that before,” Mailata says in an interview with PMN News.

“To be welcomed in Māori and Sāmoan, that was pretty special. That’s the highlight right there.

“Being here today with the kids, it’s actually been very heartfelt and heartwarming.”

From NRL to NFL: A leap of faith

The 28-year-old former rugby league player is now an offensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Mailata made a bold move to switch to a sport he knew little about after his dreams of playing rugby [league] in Australia didn’t pan out.

“When I made the decision to come over to the States, I was 20 years old,” he says.

Jordan Mailata warmly welcomed to Aotearoa at College Rifles Rugby and Sports Club in Remuera. Photo/PMN Digital/Eroti Navuku.

“I had just finished trying to chase my dreams of playing in the NRL, and I wasn’t good enough for it.

“And so I said, why not try this opportunity? If it doesn’t work out, I’ll just come back and keep working as a tradie, and for that pay, my way to play the New South Wales Cup.”

He now considers that decision to be the best one he’s ever made.

That leap of faith paid off, as he has become a key player for one of the NFL’s top teams, showing that talent from the Pacific can succeed in different sports.

Jordan Mailata arrived in New Zealand with his wife Niki Ikahihifo-Bender, far left. Photo/PMN Digital/Eroti Navuku.

Promoting football in the Pacific

With Melbourne, Australia, set to host the first NFL international game in 2026, Mailata sees this as a great opportunity to grow interest in American football in the Pacific.

He is aware that many rugby league fans can be sceptical, but he believes that exposure is key.

“I think just having eyes on the game, bringing more eyes to the game in a different part of the world is the goal to try and grow that game here.”

He understands that rugby league has a strong hold in the Pacific culture but feels that American football deserves appreciation, too.

“Rugby’s tough, but so is playing football, but if you’re playing the position I play, it’s tougher than rugby. They’re just two different sports.

“So just getting more eyes on the game so people can understand why the sport is loved in one part of the world, and you get compensated pretty well for it,” Mailata says.

Jordan Malaita celebrates the Eagles' 40-22 win over the Kansas Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on 9 February, 2025. Photo/NFL

Sir Michael Jones, an All Blacks legend, attended the event on Monday and was excited about Mailata’s presence in Aotearoa, supporting the expansion of American football in the Pacific.

“We love the fact that he’s here and it means a lot to us, not only as Pasifika but as Kiwis,” Jones says.

“I think rugby [union] and rugby league, in terms of our Polynesians, will always be our main sport for our young men. Basketball is growing, but it’s a great option.

“You get an education, you can go to a university. Even if you only get that, that’s worth it. So we just really support it.”

Jones says it’s important to have role models like Mailata who inspire young people to pursue their dreams in sports.

“It’s important our young people have inspiration … and Jordan’s probably inspired a whole generation of young Kiwis to try out American football,” Jones says.

A legacy of inspiration for future generations

One teacher present at the event shared similar sentiments, believing that with the right resources and support, American football could grow rapidly in the region.

Mailata’s visit to New Zealand is more than just a casual stop. It’s a mission to inspire young athletes.

He emphasises the importance of representation, not only in sports but in all areas of life.

“For me, that last name that I get to wear on my back, my dad’s name, that means more to me than any fa’a Sāmoa traditional culture.

“Just being able to represent my dad’s name on one of the biggest stages and platforms that the NFL means everything to me. Representation is a big part of me.”

His message to young athletes is simple: “If you want to do something, just do it. Why not?”