CONDELL Park High School Principal Susie Mobayed said the school got right behind Jordan Mailata and the Philadelphia Eagles in their pursuit of the Super Bowl crown on Monday.
“We’re just so proud of him,” she said.
Ms Mobayed said Jordan was a natural leader, with great focus and drive.
“Jordan was such a role model when he was at school – someone kids would look up to and flock to,” she said.
“He had no hang-ups and oozed calmness. He was gentle, calm, courageous and very confident.”
Condell Park High School Head Teacher PE Kieren Frappell said the former Bankstown Bulls player was a rare sporting talent.
“He always had an X-factor. We always knew he would do something great,” he said.
“I can remember when he was playing league at school, he’d run 60 metres with four kids hanging off him.
“He still holds the rowing machine record at our gym. No one, not even the teachers, has been able to get within 10 seconds of it.”
Mr Frappell said he was also a talented track and field athlete, and excelled in the throwing events.
“In Year 10, he made it all the way to state athletics for shot put and ended up finishing second,” he said.
“From there, he was invited on an athletics tour of Canada and the US. He came back a changed kid. His eyes were opened, and he had that focus.”
