NRL 2024: Broncos coach Kevin Walters says Ben Te Kura is ready for rigours the NRL
Broncos coaches have been working overtime to prepare their latest debutant for the rigours of NRL, but the Storm should be on high alert if this footage is anything to go by. Watch it here.
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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 tall, 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 won’t be overawed by an NRL debut against the Storm.
“He’s a young guy coming through the ranks. He’s just a bit taller than most people so that brings a bit of attention to him,” Walters said.
“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 also 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.
“We’ve been looking to get him an opportunity. He’s been very good around here, particularly at training I’ve noticed how hard he is to handle. We expect that to transition into the NRL.
“They’re all tough (opponents). The Storm are no different to the other teams.
“It’s great for Ben. We just want him to be himself and do what he’s been doing here at training every week.
“Running hard, making his tackles and being a good team member.”
The Broncos proved they are no one-man band up front by smashing the Cowboys 38-12 last week without inspirational leader Payne Haas (knee).
Walters said it was a good performance and the Broncos now had to back that up against a Melbourne team coming off a bye before next week’s blockbuster Battle of Brisbane with the Dolphins.
“Certainly, and there’s more strides yet,” he said.
“Patty (Carrigan) was very good as our leader last week but he was really well supported by the whole pack. That needs to be the case every week if we want to get to where we want to go.
“I mentioned last week about Penrith and the good teams, the Storm have been doing it for a long time as well. The next man in steps up. It’s a good mentality to have.
“We’re still learning about that, but I saw great evidence last week and I expect to see it again against the Storm.”
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Originally published as NRL 2024: Broncos coach Kevin Walters says Ben Te Kura is ready for rigours the NRL
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