Ben Te Kura—listed at 6-foot-9 and 268 pounds—has left his NRL contract with the Brisbane Broncos to train in America for a potential NFL career starting in 2027, aiming to follow the path of Jordan Mailata from rugby to the NFL.
Ben Te Kura understood what he was giving up the moment he decided to walk away from rugby to chase the NFL.
At 6-foot-9 and 268 pounds. the 22-year-old was once described as Australia’s tallest player in the history of the National Rugby League. Now. the Brisbane Broncos have released him from his contract so he can begin training in America immediately—“in preparation for potentially playing in the NFL in 2027.”.
The decision wasn’t treated as a break in the relationship. The Broncos said they are respecting Te Kura’s wishes as he turns his attention toward an NFL future.
“I’m very grateful to the Broncos for everything they’ve done to support me in pursuing an opportunity in the NFL,” Te Kura said.
His plan is specific, and it’s built around what NFL teams usually want from linemen: size, strength, and the ability to transition his body and skills to the offensive line. Te Kura is expected to bulk up and attempt to make it to the NFL as an offensive tackle.
To sell the leap, his agent reached for a comparison most fans will recognize: Jordan Mailata. Mailata went from playing rugby in Australia to becoming one of the best left tackles in the NFL.
But Te Kura’s path isn’t guaranteed to mirror Mailata’s. While the talent is there—and the interest may follow—expecting him to become as good as Mailata may be unrealistic. Still, there’s no denying the market pull. For Australian rugby players with the ability to make the NFL jump, the financial incentives are enormous.
Mailata is on a three-year, $66 million contract. By comparison, the highest-paid player in the National Rugby League makes a little under $1 million USD a year.
Te Kura may be taking on a brutal timeline—prepping for 2027 while rebuilding for a different sport entirely—but the underlying logic is clear: if he can translate his physical tools into an NFL-ready package, he won’t be chasing the dream alone. NFL teams are likely to come looking.
Ben Te Kura Brisbane Broncos NFL 2027 offensive tackle NRL rugby to NFL Jordan Mailata Australia
So he just quit rugby to play NFL in 2027? Bold. Hope he doesn’t get smoked every play.
Wait, the Broncos released him so he can go to America?? That seems kinda reckless but money talks I guess. 6’9 is insane though.
This is literally just Jordan Mailata 2.0 right? Like they’re saying he’ll be a left tackle and everything, but idk if that’s even how it works. Also 6-foot-9?? I thought NFL linemen were like 6-3 tops lol
I don’t get why everyone compares him to Mailata like it’s automatically gonna happen. NFL is not just being big, it’s talent and learning and not getting injured. And 2027 is so far away, what if he bulk up too much and can’t move right? Seems like a gamble. Broncos probably should’ve kept him on a smaller contract.