Ben Te Kura, the Brisbane Broncos’ towering 205cm player, has been given the green light to take a six-week hiatus from the NRL to pursue his ambitions in the NFL. The 21-year-old hopes to emulate Australian Super Bowl champion Jordan Mailata, who transitioned from rugby league to American football.
The Broncos confirmed on Sunday that Te Kura has attracted considerable interest from NFL teams, leading to the club’s endorsement of his participation in an ongoing NFL training camp. Following the six-week period, Te Kura may either return to the Broncos for training or the club could extend his absence to further explore opportunities in the United States.
NFL contract adviser Dwane Budgen expressed confidence in Te Kura’s potential for success in the NFL, highlighting his athleticism and impressive arm span as essential traits for the sport. “Ben Te Kura is suited to the NFL. He’s athletic and has a great arm span. That’s what the NFL looks for,” Budgen stated in an interview with SEN.
Despite his strong physical presence, Te Kura has faced challenges in his NRL career, having only played five games since his debut in 2024 due to various injuries. This year, he has yet to compete in the top tier, featuring in just three matches for the Wynnum Manly team in the Queensland Cup.
As he embarks on this exciting chapter, Te Kura aims to carve out a path in the NFL, inspired by those who have successfully made the switch from league to the American football scene. His journey brings a mix of anticipation and hope as he chases his sporting dreams while balancing his commitments to the Broncos.