Valentine Holmes has signed an NFL contract… of sorts.
After not making the cut for the 53-man New York Jets roster, the former Shark was signed to the team's practice squad, a job that still pays a lofty $200,000AUD. However, that dims in comparison to the millions he could be making at home.
According to news.com.au reports, at least five NRL teams, including the Sharks and Holmes’ hometown Cowboys, have contacted Holmes’ manager Chriss Orr to gauge his interest on returning to Australia and stardom.
While making the practice team is by no means a sure-fire pathway to the playing roster, it seems that Holmes is set on seeing how far he can ride the wave stateside. Being on the practice squad means that Holmes will get regular reps against NFL level defence, as well as stay a chance to be picked up by any of the other 31 NFL teams.
That said, because Holmes’ was brought over as a part of an international program, there are limited places for him around the league.
“At some stage he will need to make a decision about his long-term future, Is it NFL or is it NRL?” says Orr.
When asked, Holmes’ was forthright about the possibilities the NRL presented for him.
“Obviously Townsville is my home, where I’m from,” he said recently when asked about a possible return to the NRL.
“And the Sharks, I played with them for the past five years so I’m sure whatever team can fit me in … I’d be happy to go anywhere.”
For now, it seems that Holmes’ is happy to keep trying his hand at running back rather than come home to the comfort of fullback.