Te Kura could prove a tall order on debut
Broncos coach Kevin Walters is adamant giant forward Ben Te Kura won’t crumble in his NRL debut against Brisbane’s kryptonite the Storm in Melbourne.
Te Kura will get a taste of first grade when the Broncos attempt to snap a 2778-day losing streak at AAMI Park on Thursday night.
Walters had no hesitation thrusting the 19-year-old “Big Ben” into the NRL arena after bench forward Xavier Willison suffered a head knock at training on Monday.
At 205cm, Te Kura is the tallest player in NRL history and stands out in the pack, particularly next to Brisbane’s 173cm skipper Adam Reynolds.
But the Queensland under-19s Origin prop’s barnstorming performances for Souths-Logan in the Hostplus Cup, which include skittling runs and an uncanny knack for finding the tryline, convinced Walters that Te Kura would not be overawed by an NRL debut against the Storm.
“He’s a young guy coming through the ranks,” Walters said. “He’s just a bit taller than most people so that brings a bit of attention to him.
“He’s a footballer, certainly, and it’s great he gets his opportunity to make his debut in the NRL.
“He’ll be fine. I’ve got a lot of faith and confidence. He’s been in our system for three years and I feel he’s matured enough now to handle the NRL and what it brings. It’s very exciting for him and I’m excited to see him play.”
Broncos coaches have been working overtime to prepare Te Kura for the speed and physicality of the NRL, particularly repeat efforts when he has to get his hulking frame off the ground while under fatigue. The Storm could look to target Te Kura, but Walters has seen enough to be confident he’ll be up to the challenge.
Te Kura has scored nine tries in 27 Hostplus Cup games, an impressive strike rate for a big man in the middle. “We meant to keep that quiet, but now you’ve mentioned it,” Walters said of his try-scoring feats.
“He’s been doing a lot of things right in the Queensland Cup. The next transition is to play in the NRL and transfer what he’s doing there.
“That’s why we’ve got a lot of confidence to bring him into the side.”