The remarkable success of Jordan Mailata, the first Australian to secure a Super Bowl victory, has sparked the NFL’s interest in recruiting top talent from rugby league, with Broncos’ Ben Te Kura being a key prospect. Mailata’s journey began with the Rabbitohs before he relocated to the US, as his size made it difficult to play at the highest level in Australia.
Dwane Bugden from the NFL Players’ Association believes that players like Te Kura, who debuted in the NRL last season, possess the potential to thrive in the NFL. Standing at 205cm and weighing 122kg, Te Kura is currently the tallest player in the NRL, showcasing attributes reminiscent of Mailata.
Bugden expressed confidence in Te Kura’s suitability for the NFL due to his impressive physicality, speed, and intelligence. He noted that the allure of American sports might draw more young athletes away from rugby league, especially as they model their careers after successful figures like Mailata. With Te Kura under contract with the Broncos for three more years, the prospect of him eventually following in Mailata’s footsteps remains tantalising for both leagues. Unlike previous NRL stars like Valentine Holmes and Jarryd Hayne, who ventured to the NFL but did not achieve similar heights, Te Kura’s unique combination of size and skill presents a promising opportunity for both him and the NFL.