The Seattle Seahawks hosted tryouts for four players, including a trio of veteran tight ends who’ve bounced around the league throughout their respective careers. That fourth player, however? He’s never played a down of organized football in his life.
Ben Te Kura is an Australian rugby player who’s been with the National Rugby League’s Brisbane Broncos since the 2024 season. A towering figure at 6’9, Te Kura is the tallest player in the history of the NRL. After playing five games for the Broncos, Te Kura set his sights on the NFL, with Brisbane granting him an initial leave of absence to pursue his new career. As of three weeks ago, Te Kura is now out of contract:
The Brisbane Broncos have released forward Ben Te Kura from the remainder of his current contract, effective immediately, to allow him to pursue an NFL opportunity in the United States in 2027.
The 205cm front rower was initially granted leave from the Club’s NRL squad commitments in April, to attend a six-week NFL training camp.
He will now relocate to Arizona to continue his pursuit of a professional career in the sport.
There are some highlights of Te Kura with the Souths Logan Magpies, and just look at the big man rumble!
Te Kura, who was a “prop” forward in rugby, is listed in the transaction wire as a tackle, so obviously the plan is for him to bulk up a bit given his rugby playing weight was 268 pounds. He could follow in the footsteps of fellow Aussie and current Philadelphia Eagles star Jordan Mailata, who switched from a prop in rugby to eventually becoming one of the premier offensive tackles in the NFL.
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The Seahawks already have a former rugby player on the roster. Running back George Holani played rugby in high school before going full-time to football at Boise State University. They also have an Australian in superstar punter Michael Dickson, although his sporting background began in Aussie rules football and not rugby.
It’s just a tryout for Te Kura, but the thought of the Seahawks going a bit outside the box is intriguing!
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