3 minute read

Joel Maddock is a 195cm tall, 132kg hulk from Brisbane who is hoping to impress NFL scouts at a combine in Germany.

Another Australian giant is aiming to break into the NFL by following in the footsteps of Jordan Mailata and Valentine Holmes.

Joel Maddock, a 195cm tall, 132kg hulk from Brisbane, hopes to land an invite to the NFL's next International Player Pathway program.

The program led to former South Sydney Rabbitohs junior Mailata being drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018 and former NRL star Holmes securing a practice squad place with the New York Jets this year.

Maddock, 26, is no stranger to American football after playing for Central Connecticut State University before moving to Europe to play for the Marburg Mercenaries in the German Football League.

This offensive lineman will compete with athletes from more than 15 countries this weekend at the NFL's invitational scouting showcase near Cologne, Germany.

Last year's combine was held in Australia.

"Following last year's inaugural international combine in Australia, we are excited to explore the talent pool internationally," Damani Leech, NFL International Chief Operating Officer, said.

This weekend's scouting showcase mirrors the NFL's annual combine held in Indianapolis for US college football's elite players.

Athletes in Germany will participate in a range of speed, agility, strength and skill-based tests at the weekend.

A select number will be invited to join the Pathway program and train in the US for three months.