Ben Te Kura steps away from rugby after Broncos release, aiming for the NFL in 2027

Ben Te Kura, a 6-foot-9, 268-pound Australian forward known for his size in the National Rugby League, is walking away from his NRL contract to pursue an NFL career. The move comes after the Brisbane Broncos released him, with the organization saying it is respecting his wish to begin training in the United States now, ahead of a potential attempt to reach the league in 2027.

Te Kura’s decision is notable not just because of his height, but because it represents a straight shot from an overseas rugby pipeline into a league that requires a very specific skill set at the line of scrimmage. According to reporting, he is expected to work toward an offensive tackle role, a conversion that places significant demands on foot speed, hand placement, and change-of-direction ability that are less central in the positions he has played in rugby.

In connection with the release, the Broncos’ announcement framed the next step as preparation, not an NFL commitment. Te Kura, now 22, is described as starting training in America with the stated goal of potentially playing in the NFL in 2027. That timeline matters because it suggests the process will be measured in months, focused on development and evaluation rather than an immediate roster spot.

NBC Sports’ reporting included a quoted statement from Te Kura expressing gratitude to the Broncos for their support of his opportunity to pursue the NFL. The same report also cited his agent’s comparison to Philadelphia’s Jordan Mailata, who similarly transitioned from Australian rugby to becoming an NFL left tackle. Mailata’s example is often used as a reference point for what is possible, but it also sets a high bar for development and durability in the NFL’s physical environment.

The NFL-to-rugby conversion has become more common, but the outcomes remain uncertain. Te Kura’s size gives him an obvious foundation, yet even the most promising prospects typically need time to learn technique and earn trust in games. The next hurdle will be where he lands for training and workouts, how quickly he can refine offensive-line fundamentals, and whether he can create enough separation in athletic measurables that NFL teams prioritize him.

For the Broncos, the move is a roster and planning question, even if it is framed as a release aligned with the player’s wishes. For the NFL, it is a talent search story: teams may view Te Kura as a project with upside, particularly for those building depth at tackle. Watch for any formal invitations to rookie minicamp-style opportunities, offseason workouts, or training-camp interest once the 2027 objective becomes more concrete.

Until there is further confirmation from the league, individual teams, or the player’s representatives, the details of his specific destination remain unclear. What is clear is that Te Kura is treating 2027 as a target date and using the time before it to attempt the kind of transformation that has worked for a few rare cases in NFL history.