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NRL could potentially lose best young talent as allure of the NFL comes calling
Sam Kosack • February 12th, 2025 5:35 pm
The NRL is at risk of losing some of its best young talent to the NFL, according to the NFLPA’s Dwane Bugden.
Following the success and dominance of Australian Super Bowl winner Jordan Mailata, NFL scouts are turning their attention to Australia to find his replica.
Already competing with rival teams, NRL clubs may find it more difficult to keep their young forwards over the allure of America’s biggest stage; a notable worry considering the mass demand for quality props in the game already.
Bugden, a contract advisor for the NFL Player’s Association, says he’s identified plenty of young players suited for a code switch; most of all young Broncos’ powerhouse Ben Te Kura.
“I think he (Te Kura) would be perfectly suited to the NFL,” Bugden told SEN 1170 Mornings.
“He’s 6 foot 8 so he's a bit taller than Jordan (Mailata) but he's athletic, he's got that great arm span, fast feet, he’s intelligent and that's what they look for… a kid like that.
“The NRL is a fast game and Jordan (Mailata) in the under 20s was a good player but… his size and the speed of that game would've made it super hard for him to get up and down and back and forth those 10 metres all game.”
Te Kura is currently 21 and contracted to the Brisbane Broncos until the end of 2027, making him 24 when his contract expires. Standing at 205cm, Te Kura is the tallest player in the NRL and would be in the top five tallest players in the NFL.
The Eagles are Super Bowl LIX champions
Bugden thinks the growing presence and popularity of the NFL in Australia could lure players away, particularly the NFL announcing home games to be played in Melbourne for the next three years.
“The NRL could possibly lose a lot of these younger guys because they love the American sports,” Bugden said.
“They are big and athletic, and I think the game suits them more than the NRL for some of those kids, and I think that's what the NFL is here for.
“I think the game of NRL might lose those guys at an earlier age.”
The NFL currently has the international pathway program, providing elite athletes around the world opportunities to earn selection with an NFL team.
Previously, Valentine Holmes and Jarryd Hayne were players of high standing in the NRL to try qualifying for the NFL.
