Valentine Holmes has his eye on succeeding where Jarryd Hayne failed, according to reports that the Cronulla star has walked out on the club to pursue a career in the NFL.
Phil ‘Buzz’ Rothfield reported for the Daily Telegraph on Monday afternoon that Holmes has rejected long-term, big-money offers from both the Sharks and the North Queensland Cowboys, with his eye on a move to the US.
After returning from a holiday to Cuba this week he was expected to announce a decision either to remain at the Sharks or move to the Cowboys, instead he reportedly wishes to break his existing contract with Cronulla which finishes at the end of the 2019 season.
Holmes along with Jason Taumalolo trialled with NFL teams when last out of contract in 2016. Both were invited back to the US to trial in front of NFL recruiters, and Chris Orr – who manages both Holmes and Taumalolo – was reportedly contacted by five teams who had interest in the pair.
Taumalolo of course has since signed a ten-year, $10 million that has him locked up at the Cowboys for the long term, but it appears that the dream of playing in the NFL still has a lure for Holmes.
It’s not clear yet just how concrete his chances of finding a contract in the NFL are, or which team he would be likely to play for if so.
Harold
Guest
Why when the NFL is mentioned, Melbourne lad Gotsis is never mentioned - plying his trade with Denver Broncos starring on the field every week - he had off field drama that the cops didnt follow up on but the Sydney papers mention others who are on the verge of playing NFL or are in the squad but not on the field.
Zavjalova
Roar Rookie
He's got a lot of work to do physically if he wants to make it
Harold
Guest
On the related matter of keeping players in the game, Cam Smith is delaying signing with Storm because of dispute over 3rd party agreements. Didn't the NRL say that as these were running down, they would look at TPAs when the main beneficiaries Slater and Smith retired. Does these free kicks to Melbourne (with Cronk previously and possibly at Roosters now) go on forever.
Rob
Guest
It's pretty obvious that Val wants out of the Sharks. Gallen and Flanagan have been very bullish in their opinions off him getting an early release and he's made up his mind. He wanted to come back to NQ and the Sharks won't let him go so he's now doing a Gordon Tallis type season off IMO. Boy's from NQ don't take kindly to being bullied when family comes first.
Tom G
Guest
Good on him.. I hope he is given more of a chance on the field than Hayne over there. His career was more like 9 minutes than a season in a side that certainly could’ve afforded to persist with him. He made a bad choice in picking a team and coach...bad choices appear to be his thing I guess.
Emcie
Roar Guru
Turns out it's legit
Big Daddy
Guest
If you look at guys like Tarik Cohen ( Chicago Bear's) who is only 5'6' and 86 KGS there are Some guys who can succeed. Needs to work hard and understand their playbooks.
Matt H
Roar Guru
Holmes wouldn't be looking to up his NRL contract price would he? I'm sure his player manager is an honest upstanding citizen like they all are. Didn't JT13 get himself a 10 year contract after his fling with the NFL?
Old mate bigJ
Roar Rookie
These managers of players have a lot to answer for. Filling thier clients head so full or crap that they believe that they can play a sport they have probably never even seen live. How to they expect them to succeed at the highest level of another sport they have never even played. All so they can have thier 10 percent. Not worth it if you ask me. Holmes needs new management
Nate
Guest
That time puts him outside the top 30 of this years draft class, let alone times across the league. The dude just isn't that quick.
Rellum
Roar Guru
He will improve his speed if he trains for the NFL. He won't have to worry about the endurance nature on League slowing him down whilst maintaining bulk to absorb league hits. The NFL is all power and speed. Those guys are more ripped and bigger because that is what their sport demands. Any league player going over there will have to change their body to play in the NFL.
Dogs Boddy
Roar Rookie
The only thing I wonder is this. If Chris Orr received a number of contacts of interest in the pair, was it for either player or for both as a deal?? I can see JT peaking their interest a lot more, and Val being allowed to tag along to secure the big fella. If I am wrong and Val is allowed to go then all the best to him. Give it a good shot and hopefully he can make something of himself over there. Let's hope the media hype that followed Hayne is missing this time so that he can actually have a chance of working his way into a team.
JOHNY BULLDOG
Roar Rookie
Ha ha love it Nat!
Rabbitz
Roar Guru
Quite. That actually gave me a genuine laugh out loud, thanks.
Nat
Roar Guru
Go for it Val, I know you can make the team. Just stick to your guns for a few years and make your dreams come true. Love Ben Barba.
Hamish
Roar Rookie
Goes to show even NRL players find NRL boring.
BA Sports
Roar Guru
Without knowing what his vertical and broad jump numbers are, he is built most like a corner back to me. But assuming his ceiling is a solid corner, he wouldn't be earning more in the NFL than he is in the NRL by playing that position. But money may not be the motivator.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
It’s still quick and far from “slow as hell”. I note you are comparing him to the absolute elite running backs in the NFL. Holmes has the bare bones in place to start with. He’ll need to improve and that’s why I said that he does have time on his side if he wants to seriously make an impact. Intense training, pack on a little more muscle and he has a chance. He will have setbacks coming up against the US athletes. But I hope he can do it
shirtpants
Roar Guru
Add the gear and 10kgs to his frame and he'd be doing very well to be putting down the same numbers
BA Sports
Roar Guru
If you compare him to a Cordell Patterson type he also has to put on 10kg - assuming he wants to play offence. And then you still have the issue of his hands. But good luck to him if it is what he wants - you just hope he gets new management and gets away from the grubby Orr's.