The NRL is set to kick off its season for the first time on the American soil. And before the highly anticipated double header opening day. The Sydney Roosters captain James Tedesco gave an exclusive interview to EssesntiallySports. In it, the fullback talks about his admiration for the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive tackle, Jordan Mailata.
Mailata switched from NRL to NFL back in 2018. While Mailata impressed the scouts through his YouTube page, Tedesco has a chance to do it live! And as Tedesco sets foot on the promised land, what are his thoughts on getting an entry into the NFL as well?
James Tedesco on Mailata and the potential for an NFL switch
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Tedesco in his exclusive interview with EssentiallySports, talked about his relationship with the Eagles star. “I have no connection with Jordan. I’m a big fan just watching from afar, seeing what he was able to do. Moving from NRL to come over here in the NFL and have so much success,” said the Roosters captain.
The 31-year-old was also about his aspirations for joining the NFL. “If I… came over a bit earlier like Jordan did. I might have been a chance to make it in an NFL career, but I’m a bit too far into my in a real career now to make a switch,” said Tedesco.
The fullback, however, does enjoy the game of football. “I enjoy just watching the running backs and the wide receivers and what they’re able to do. They’re just supreme athletes”, said Tedesco in this exclusive interview. However, the American audiences will be able to witness his athletic side along with other NRL stars in Las Vegas soon.
The down-under takeover of the gridiron
On March 2nd, the NRL will be hosting the first-of-a-kind event. Four teams that will be participating in this endeavor, namely the Manly Sea Eagles vs. Mailata’s former team South Sydney Rabbitohs. And the Brisbane Broncos will be taking on James Tedesco’s Sydney Roosters in the NRL’s second offering.
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Big hitters comin’ to Vegas! 💪 🇺🇸 #NRLVegas pic.twitter.com/iecakc78bw
— NRL (@NRL) February 27, 2024
With the NFL Combine at its peak, during the same time, the NFL scouts might get a glimpse at the games too with a chance of recruiting Tedesco or any other NRL players to make the switch.
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Do you think James Tedesco could’ve succeeded in the NFL? Let us know in the comments.