Taumalolo set to try out for NFL

Kiwis test star Jason Taumalolo could be about to emulate Jarryd Hayne by switching to American football.

The blockbusting North Queensland Cowboys back-rower flew directly to the United States from the United Kingdom for trials with NFL clubs after the Kiwis lost the Four Nations final yesterday morning (NZT), the Courier Mail reported.

Joining him on the flight was Australian winger Valentine Holmes.

Hayne made the switch to play for the San Francisco 49ers in 2015, before returning to play for the Gold Coast Titans in the NRL last season.

He and Holmes will undergo the same tests as Hayne did before he made the switch. Both are off contract after the 2017 NRL season.

The Cowboys confirmed via social media that their star player had gone to the US with their blessing.

‘‘Jason Taumalolo heading to US for NFL testing with club’s full knowledge and backing #ridemcowboys.’’

Australian gridiron coach and scout, Paul Shepherd, told the the Courier-mail that Taumalolo, 23, was well placed to succeed in the NFL.

‘‘I’m not surprised NFL clubs are interested in Taumalolo. I could get him a workout with every NFL club tomorrow,’’ Shepherd said.

‘‘I deal with NFL clubs regularly and their scouts always say to me, ‘How do we get our hands on your Polynesian players?’

‘‘Jason Taumalolo would be absolutely fantastic in the NFL. If he is prepared to fly over to the US, there would be lots of NFL coaches who would want him.’’

He pointed to Taumalolo’s explosive power and young age – his is four years younger than when Hayne made the move at 27 – as reasons he could succeed, saying tight end or linebacker would suit his physical size and ball-handling skills.

Taumalolo was asked about a switch during the season but said he had made no commitment.

‘‘It’s something I haven’t thought about too much but the question will come up sooner rather than later,’’ he said.

‘‘I will find out where my future lies over the next 12 months.