Taumalolo, Holmes set for NFL trials
NRL stars Jason Taumalolo and Valentine Holmes are headed to the US for secret trials with NFL clubs.
The Courier-Mail has revealed that both Taumalolo and Holmes are on their way to America following the conclusion of the Four Nations final in Liverpool Monday morning (AEDT) in order to take part in private NFL trials.
Rumours have been swirling regarding Taumalolo’s future after it was apparent the 2016 Dally M winner had dreams of joining the NFL.
The 23-year-old is off-contract at the end of the 2017 season, and while the Cowboys are keen to tie him down to a new long-term deal this will certainly come as a blow to both the club and the code.
Holmes is also off-contract at the end of next season and is yet to comment on his future plans. The 21-year-old has had a memorable 2016 season, helping the Sharks to their first premiership before playing a pivotal role in the Kangaroos’ Four Nations success
Remember the hype years back around Willie Mason 'trialling' with NY Jets.
Thing is it was just that, hype.
I suppose there could be more substance to the Taumalolo/Holmes story but the chances of anything eventuating has to be an extreme long shot.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/mason-left-to-cool-his-jets/story-e6frg6n6-1111112653589 No chance ... Jets say Mason was just visiting. Pic: Gregg Porteous
Source: News Limited picture
NEW York Jets yesterday poured cold water on Willie Mason's trip to the Big Apple, with the prop certain to remain in the NRL. Bulldogs fans can breathe a sigh of relief after the Jets said Mason's time at Meadowlands Stadium was more like a tour than a trial.
Mason hardly even worked up a sweat, spending just 15 minutes running through a series of drills with a Jets scout.
"No he didn't train with the team," Jets spokesman Ron Colanonlo said.
"He was just here to take a look around. We just wanted to meet him and go through a couple of drills.
"I don't think they were even football drills, it was more of a visit.
"We just had a look at him and that is where we left it."
At 195cm and 114kg, Mason is one of the biggest and best in the NRL.
But in the National Football League, Mason would be competing with some of the biggest men on the planet - and at 26 would have to learn the game regarded as the most complex sport in the world.
Before leaving for the US, Mason told Bulldogs teammates he wasn't going to bother trialling with the Jets because it was a "waste of time".
Mason was joined on the trip by his girlfriend Claire and manager Greg Keenan.
It is understood Bulldogs management allowed Mason to meet with the NFL club because they thought he had no chance of securing a contract.
Bulldogs boss Malcolm Noad was recently in the US with coach Steve Folkes and chairman George Peponis.
They met with NFL clubs Denver, Seattle and San Diego during the trip and were told Mason would struggle to make it in the NFL.
Jets coach Eric Mangini said Mason struck him as a fiery character after their brief meeting on Tuesday.
"Willie is a guy that came to our attention," he said.
"He is a pretty good rugby player, and it was just one of those opportunities we had, where we have to take a look at him.
"What we're doing is taking a look at him, seeing what potential there is for him.
"He seems to have been a pretty dynamic guy in that league for a long time.
"He seemed relatively feisty when I spoke to him."
Bulldogs spokesman Chris O'Brien said Mason was committed to his contract with the Bulldogs.
"Willie has given us his guarantee he will be with us," he said.
"It was just a good opportunity for Willie to get a feel of what the NFL is about."
Australia's Former NFL star Colin Scott said it would be a big challenge for Willie to make it in the NFL.
"He might be a bit old," he said.
"But if I could make it, why can't he? But in saying that I went through the college system and those who make it in the US really need to come through that system like (Andrew) Bogut has done in the NBA.
