Valentine Holmes is open to a return to the NRL, and will be "happy to go anywhere", in news that will excite most NRL fans.
Holmes is trying out for the New York Jets and is hoping to make their 53-man squad, with the decision set to be made on Sunday when the Jets announce their playing roster for the 2019-20 season.
If Holmes isn't selected, he'll likely stay in New York to finish the season on the training squad, but has spoken to AAP on a potential return home.
Despite most NRL clubs and fans believing Holmes would only play for North Queensland if he came back to Australia, Holmes' latest comments could spark a bidding war for the 24-year-old.
โObviously Townsville is my home, where Iโm from,โ he told AAP.
โAnd the Sharks, I played with them for the past five years so Iโm sure whatever team can fit me in โฆ Iโd be happy to go anywhere.
โBut my focus is to try and fit in this team (the Jets).โ
Holmes won a premiership with the Sharks in 2016, but has long spoken of his desire to play in his home town.
Holmes is confident he could step straight back onto an NRL field upon his return, given he hasn't lost much fitness at all in the US.
โI think Iโd be around the same (weight). I put on a few a kilos towards the end of my 2018 season and Iโve probably hit that now so Iโm around 91 and thatโs normally what I play at,โ he said.
โItโs not that hard to try and stay in shape. Obviously Iโve been doing a lot of training - itโs a bit different but I wouldnโt say Iโm unfit.
โIโm sure Iโd be able to do the fitness in the amount of time (to be ready for the NRL).โ
