WAITING GAME
Cowboys reserve a place for NFL hopeful and former Shark
VALENTINE Holmes paid a visit to former club Cronulla yesterday but it wasn’t to seek a release to join the North Queensland Cowboys.
The NFL hopeful jetted in to Sydney early yesterday morning and offered no explanation around his return or his immediate plans for the future.
North Queensland are reserving the final spot on their 30-man roster for Holmes, who quit the final year of his Sharks contract last November to chase his NFL dream. Despite waiting for potential offers from NFL franchises after working out in front of scouts last week, Holmes remains the Cowboys’ No.1 recruitment target since Ben Barba’s sacking on the eve of the season.
The Cowboys have until June 30 to finalise their squad but, at this stage, have not contacted the Sharks, who would be entitled to compensation if their former fullback wanted to move to Townsville.
Holmes called into Sharks training to say hello to his former teammates, although only about half the squad was there. He spoke briefly to some club officials but didn’t ask for a release from the clause that binds him to the Sharks until the end of this season.
Barba’s untimely axing for off-field issues has left the Cowboys desperately searching for a fullback replacement.
Coach Paul Green started the season with Jordan Kahu there but switched first choice five-eighth Te Maire Martin to fullback in a bid to ignite his side’s attack.
A tight-lipped Holmes spent three months in the NFL’s International Pathway Program at IMG Academy in Florida, preparing for last week’s Pro Day testing.
The 23-year old’s return to Australia yesterday was always planned but there is speculation Holmes will be making a major announcement about his immediate playing future after his management were gauging television interest for interviews at the weekend.
But Holmes refused to divulge any further details about his next move when quizzed by reporters at Sydney Airport yesterday morning.
“Sorry guys, I can’t say anything,” he said.
It’s believed the former NRL superstar impressed scouts during his testing last week at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice facility in Florida. Holmes posted 4.45 seconds in the 40-yard dash, which was the best time of all running backs trying out that day.
He also delivered in the three-cone shuttle drill, finishing equal second. But dropped down the order in the 102kg bench press. Holmes was tied for 14th with 20 repetitions. In first place was Alex Barnes with 34 reps. The NFL introduced its International Pathway Program in 2017 to give athletes from outside of the United States a chance to earn a spot on an NFL roster.
Nine athletes, including Holmes, took part in 2019. If Holmes isn’t picked up as a free agent in the coming weeks there is still a chance he can earn an a practice squad contract via the program.
Four of the nine international participants will be absorbed into AFC East conference.