Brisbane Broncos player Ben Te Kura, standing at 205cm, has been granted a six-week hiatus from his NRL duties to pursue his dream of playing in the NFL. At just 21 years old, Te Kura aspires to follow in the footsteps of Jordan Mailata, the Australian who famously transitioned from rugby league to a Super Bowl champion in the NFL.
The Broncos confirmed this development in a statement, expressing that the club has received ongoing interest from the NFL regarding Te Kura. His attendance at an NFL training camp is currently approved, reflecting the potential scouts see in him for American football. Following this six-week period, the Broncos will reassess his situation; he may either rejoin their training or possibly extend his absence to explore further NFL opportunities.
Dwane Budgen, a certified NFL contract adviser, believes Te Kura possesses the required attributes to succeed in the NFL. He remarked on Te Kura’s athleticism and impressive arm span—the traits that are highly sought after in the sport. This endorsement adds to the optimism surrounding his potential transition to a career in American football.
Despite his towering physique and promising talent, Te Kura has had a challenging start in the rugby league, having played only five NRL matches since his debut in 2024 due to various injuries. This year, he has not participated in any first-grade games but has featured in three matches for Wynnum Manly in the Queensland Cup.
His ambition to switch sports reflects a growing trend of athletes from rugby league pursuing careers in the NFL, and it remains to be seen how this period of training will impact his future in either sport.