Former NRL star Valentine Holmes has broken his silence to reveal the positions he believes will give him the best chance of making it in the NFL.
Holmes flew to New York last week to join his new Jets team-mates in the Jets’ optional off-season workout program at the franchise’s New Jersey facility.
The 23-year-old, who this month signed a one-year deal with the Jets as part of the NFL’s International Pathway Program, is listed as a kick-returner/running back/wide receiver on the team’s official website.
He has previously remained coy on his best positions in his new sport but in an interview with the Jets’ media department the former Cronulla star strongly hinted he will focus on the kick/punt returner roles as well as running back.
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Asked to explain his role in rugby league, Holmes declared his skills as an NRL full-back and winger would translate to his new code.
“Full-back and wing, it’s kind of like a kick returner and punt returner,” he told the Jets’ official website.
“Obviously you’re the guy way down the back of the field and you’ve got to catch those kicks and try and take them back for a touchdown – or for a try is what we call it back home – so I feel like I’d obviously fit into that role quite easily.
“And running back, I did a lot of work with (former Jets running back Leon Washington in the International Pathway Program) and he sort of sees me as a natural ball runner and I can also run routes out from the back and catch the ball as well.
“So I’m really excited just to train and learn from these guys – I can’t wait.”
Pressed on his strengths after 105 NRL games for the Sharks, five Origins for Queensland and 13 Tests for Australia, the recently-married Holmes replied: “Obviously I can take good contact because it’s a very rough sport, rugby league.
“… And obviously with the ball I feel like I’m a pretty strong carrier with the ball and obviously catching those punts and kicks, that’s all we do back home because there’s a lot of high-kicking and catches, so there’s a few similarities there that I can bring over.”
Holmes will be allowed to travel with the Jets throughout the 2019 NFL season and rain with the practice squad, provided he fails to make the official 53-man roster.
Asked his biggest challenge as he looks to emulate former San Francisco 49ers running back Jarryd Hayne’s code switch, Holmes conceded: “Like I’ve been saying to all my mates and anyone who asks me it’s more the playbook.
“That’s one thing that you’ve got to knuckle down here and learn what you’re doing and what everyone’s doing pretty much and remember all that.
“… But the physical side of things out on the field, I’m not too worried about all that stuff, it’s just learning that playbook.”
