The Broncos have granted permission to young gun Ben Te Kura to chase an NFL dream mid-season.
The club released a statement on Saturday which advised that Te Kura was currently preparing for a six-week training camp on the Gold Coast.
“The Brisbane Broncos have granted permission for Ben Te Kura to take a six-week absence from club NRL squad commitments,” the statement read.
“The 205-centimetre-tall front rower 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.
“At the conclusion of the six-week period, Te Kura will 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.”
Broncos general manager of recruitment Simon Scanlan confirmed the club were happy for the hulking prop to realise his NFL dream under one proviso.
“Ben has attracted ongoing interest from the NFL and has expressed a desire to pursue an initial training opportunity,” Scanlan told Code Sports.
“This period will provide both Ben and NFL staff with greater clarity around his potential fit at that level.
“In good faith, the club has agreed to allow Ben to undertake a short training block with the NFL, with the understanding that he will return to the Broncos should no opportunity arise.”
Te Kura has long held an ambition to try his hand in the NFL and potentially follow in the footsteps of Rabbitohs junior turned Super Bowl champion Jordan Mailata, who is considered one of the sport’s best offensive linemen.
“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.”
It was reported last year that up to 20 NFL teams had shown interest in Te Kura.
NFLPA Certified Contract Adviser Dwane Budgen believes the 21-year-old has the physical attributes required for a potential NFL switch.
“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.
Te Kura has been kept to QLD Cup this season and hasn’t featured in first grade since Round 14 of last year.
