The Cronulla Sharks have confirmed they knew about Valentine Holmes’ NFL interest, with the star winger heading to the US to undergo physical testing in front of NFL trainers and officials.
Holmes travelled from the UK to the US with North Queensland and New Zealand forward Jason Taumalolo, who will undergo the same testing, after helping Australia win back the Four Nations title at Anfield on Monday morning (AEDT).
Holmes will complete the testing in Los Angeles on Sunday (AEDT). Jeff Foster, the man responsible for conducting the NFL Combine each year, will oversee the tests.
A statement on the Sharks’ website on Tuesday morning said the testing would be non-contact and relate to Holmes’ physical prowess and athleticism, providing a gauge as to where he sits in comparison with athletes from the NFL and other sporting codes.
Sharks CEO Lyall Gorman confirmed the club knew of Holmes’ American adventure and said he would be back in time for next season.
“Valentine is contracted to the Sharks in 2017 and will be returning to us at the same time as had previously been scheduled with Shane Flanagan and the coaching staff,” he said.
“It was always early January for Val and this won’t affect his pre-season.
“We knew about this and supported it as a unique experience for Val and we have no concerns about him returning to honour his contract. The testing he will undergo is more a fitness and physical assessment, than an NFL trial.”
As for beyond the next season, Gorman said talks were underway to extend Holmes’ stay in the shire.
“We have already been in contract extension talks with Val and it has been very positive on both sides,” he said.
A number of Cronulla’s young players have already returned for pre-season with the majority of the historic grand final-winning team starting training early next month.
Four Nations representatives Holmes, James Maloney and Gerard Beale are due back in the first week of January.