Valentine Holmes is off to the US today to chase his dream of making it in the NFL.
Cronulla granted Holmes an immediate release from the final year of his contract in November to pursue a career in the NFL.
The 23-year-old was to fly out of Sydney today.
Holmes posted a video on social media showing off some of the skills he has been working on since the announcement of his switch.
In the video, apparently filmed by former Sharks teammate Chad Townsend, Holmes shows off his footwork and speed while running routes. He has been known to have also spent time working on his body size.
Holmes will travel to the IMG Academy in Florida to compete for a place in the NFL’s 2019 International Player Pathway Program.
Holmes completed what he described as his best ever NRL season for Cronulla in 2018 by scooping the Sharks’ annual awards night.
Holmes was named the Monty Porter Medal winner as Cronulla’s player of the year after a blistering campaign which saw him break the club record for most tries in a season.
He was also named the club’s player’s player and Cronulla’s member’s player of the season.
Cronulla returned to pre-season training this week without Holmes under interim head coach John Morris.
Matt Moylan is most likely to switch to fullback to fill the void left by the Queensland State of Origin star.
Holmes said at the time of his release he would be forever grateful to the Sharks and their fans for their support.
“It was a special moment we all shared winning the club’s first ever NRL premiership,” he said.
“I understand this decision may come as a shock to many but I personally believe it’s the right time for me to challenge myself and pursue this NFL opportunity.
“Hopefully the fans can understand and support me as they have done throughout my career.”
