Australian punter Arryn Siposs has got his fingers crossed that he’ll be selected to play in the biggest appearance of his sporting career after overcoming an ankle injury.
Siposs, the Philadelphia Eagles’ punter, injured his ankle in December to miss the final four games of the NFL regular season.
He was also absent for the Eagles’ NFC Championship win over the San Francisco 49ers on Monday (AEDT) that has booked a Super Bowl date with the Kansas City Chiefs.
In the absence of an update from the Eagles, the first-string punter says he’s now fit to go, but gave no guarantees he’ll be selected.
“I’m actually feeling pretty good. I could have actually played on the weekend just gone but look, just a matter of roster movements and things like that which makes it a little bit interesting to get back out there,” Siposs revealed on SEN Breakfast.
“I’m ready to go and looking forward to hopefully being out there in two weeks’ time.
“I’m not too sure (if I'll play), all I can do is put my (best) foot forward and keep progressing really well in terms of the treatment and all the things they need me to do from a physical point of view and (hooe) I find out sooner rather than later.”
Replacement punter Brett Kern put forward a wobbly performance in the NFC Championship win, potentially opening the door for Siposs to reclaim his spot.
Siposs suffered a torn deltoid ligament and high ankle sprain in the December 13 incident after being hit late by the New York Giants defence that he initially thought would require surgery.
The 30-year-old played 28 games for St Kilda in the AFL between 2011 and 2014 before heading to the United States in search of a punting contract.
Should he be selected, Siposs will join Australian teammate Jordan Mailata at State Farm Stadium in Arizona on February 13 (AEDT) and could become the third and fourth Aussies to play on the NFL’s biggest day.
“Jordan and I get along really well, he’s a great person and we’ve built a really good relationship,” Siposs said of his fellow Australian.
“That’s something we’re looking forward to being able to achieve together, obviously his story is pretty unique too and something that should be recongised.
“The journey we’ve taken, different paths but all wanting to achieve the same goal is pretty cool.”
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