Holmes focusing on NFL but eyes the NRL
Former NRL star Valentine Holmes remains focused on breaking into the New York Jets’ 53-man roster and may do so as a widereceiver.
However, the 24-year-old hasn’t ruled out returning to Australia next year and playing for the Cronulla Sharks, North Queensland Cowboys or Brisbane Broncos.
He says he still enjoys learning the intricacies of the NFL on the Jets’ practice squad, despite sitting out games.
The 24-year-old will not make a decision on his future until their season ends – which after their four-loss, no-win start could be December 29 if they miss the play-offs.
“My head is here in the US,” Holmes said this week.
“It’s only early in the season and I want to push myself to get an opportunity, but if it doesn’t work out or I’m not good enough there’s decisions to be made.”
After originally identifying Holmes as a running back, head coach Adam Gase and general manager Joe Douglas recently pegged him as a widereceiver – and could be inclined to blood him if the Jets’ poor season were to continue.
“There’s quite good running backs here at the Jets so I think that’s why they moved me, because obviously I can catch the ball and run,” Holmes said.
“In the pre-season games I was getting outside in the receiver positions and catching balls.”
The Jets, with the return of star quarterback Sam Darnold after missing three games, are aiming to get their first win of the season when they host the Dallas Cowboys on Monday (AEST).
As a practice team member, Holmes’s job this week has been to mimic Dallas players, including star wide-receiver Amari Cooper and running back Ezekiel Elliott, against the Jets’ 53-man roster.
Holmes and wife Natalia have an apartment in New Jersey near the Jets’ stadium and practice facilities but spend plenty of time across the Hudson River in Manhattan.
After knocking back a $5 million contract offer last year to stay with the Sharks, Holmes will incite a bidding frenzy if he chooses to return to rugby league.
The Sharks, his hometown Cowboys and the Broncos are possible landing spots.
“Cronulla is what I’m used to and I have an apartment there and my mates are still there – my wife and myself are from Townsville and I’m mates with pretty much all of the Brisbane guys,” Holmes said.