Ben Te Kura Pursues NFL Dream, Emulating Jordan Mailata's Path

Australian rugby league player Ben Te Kura has departed the Brisbane Broncos to pursue an NFL career, following in the footsteps of Jordan Mailata. Te Kura, a towering 205-centimeter, 140-kilogram prop, has ended his contract with the NRL club, signaling his full commitment to a cross-code switch inspired by Mailata's journey to the Super Bowl.

His decision, which involved walking away from one of Australia's prominent sporting organizations, comes after he was granted six weeks' leave in July to explore his potential in American football. This bold move leaves the 22-year-old without a safety net, as he commits entirely to a new sporting trajectory.

Commitment to the Crossover

Te Kura has made it clear he is "all in" on his NFL aspirations, according to the Sydney Morning Herald Te Kura revealed his ambition. He views his release from the Broncos as a message of his unwavering commitment. Despite having made five first-grade appearances for the Broncos, including two during their 2025 premiership season, Te Kura has chosen to forge a new path.

The former Broncos prop is physically imposing, standing two centimeters taller than Mailata and five centimeters taller than Nelson Asofa-Solomona, another notable rugby league forward. He has also adjusted his physique, gaining 20 kilograms to reach 140 kilograms, a strategic move to better suit the demands of NFL play. Previously, maintaining a lighter 120-kilogram playing weight was a struggle in the increasingly fast-paced NRL.

NFL Workouts and Inspiration

Te Kura's transition is already underway, with workouts conducted alongside NFL teams such as the Seattle Seahawks, Chicago Bears, and Miami Dolphins. These franchises have reportedly been impressed by the agility demonstrated by an athlete of his size. He indicated that each workout provided unique learning experiences, and observing the high level of detail and professionalism within those environments has intensified his drive.

While he is inspired by Mailata's rise, Te Kura emphasizes his intention to carve his own career path. Mailata's extraordinary journey from an unheralded reserve-grade player with the South Sydney Rabbitohs to a Super Bowl champion, securing a contract worth approximately $100 million with the Philadelphia Eagles, serves as a compelling example of what is possible. Te Kura acknowledges that Mailata's success demonstrates that such a transition can be achieved by Australian rugby league players, but he understands he must earn his own opportunities.

This pursuit of an NFL career highlights the growing trend of athletes from various sports, including rugby and rugby league, seeking opportunities in American football. For more on such developments in the sport, readers can find extensive American rugby coverage.

International Player Pathway Likely

Although an NFL team could directly offer Te Kura a contract, the more probable route for his entry into the league is through the International Player Pathway (IPP) program. This program is designed to help talented athletes from around the world transition to the NFL. Mailata himself utilized the IPP program to achieve his NFL ambitions.

Te Kura’s journey underscores a burgeoning connection between the physicality of rugby codes and the demands of American football. He has backed himself and is now committed to the hard work required to succeed in a new sport, aiming to be only the second NRL player to make a successful cross-code switch to the NFL, following Jarryd Hayne's earlier attempt with the San Francisco 49ers a decade ago.