'That's what the NFL looks for': Broncos giant granted leave to chase NFL dream
Updated . First published at
Brisbane Broncos giant Ben Te Kura has been granted permission to take a six week break from his NRL commitments to chase his NFL dream.
Te Kura is the tallest player in the NRL at 205cm and wants to follow in the considerable footsteps of Australia's Super Bowl champion Jordan Mailata - a former league junior who now earns millions with the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Broncos released a statement on Sunday saying that the 21-year-old "has been the subject of long-term interest from the NFL and the Broncos have approved Te Kura's attendance at a six-week NFL training camp, which is currently underway."
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Benjamin Te Kura takes on the defence during a Brisbane Broncos NRL training session. Getty
After the six weeks, Brisbane said he would "either return to Broncos' training, or the club will extend his absence to facilitate further steps towards a possible NFL opportunity in the United States."
Dwane Budgen, a "certified contract adviser" for the NFL's players association, said Te Kura had the right ingredients to make the difficult transition.
"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 told SEN.
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Benjamin Te Kura runs during a Brisbane Broncos NRL training session at Clive Berghofer Field. Getty
Te Kura has played just five NRL games since making his debut in 2024 as he has struggled with a variety of injuries.
He is yet to line up in first grade this year, playing just three games in the Queensland Cup with Wynnum Manly.
"I do enjoy watching NFL," Te Kura told Code Sports last month.
"It's cool what Mailata has done. It's pretty unbelievable, but the fact he did it from rugby league opens up a pathway for people from Australia and gives you that belief that you can do it."
