EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - AUGUST 08: Valentine Holmes #39 of the New York Jets looks on during the fourth quarter of a preseason game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on August 08, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

NRL clubs are hopeful former rugby league star Valentine Holmes will make a return to Australia next season, although his latest decision won't fill them with much confidence.

Holmes' partner Natalia will fly over to the US in just a matter of hours, and is set to look for a permanent place to live alongside Valentine, as the pair look to stay for the long haul.

Holmes has a pre-season contract with the New York Jets in the NFL, and is hoping he'll be able to make the 53-man regular season roster, which will be announced on September 1.

The former Shark is confident he'll be in the US for the foreseeable future, with his manager making a statement to the Daily Telegraph.

“He doesn’t think he’ll be coming back soon, so Natalia is heading over to look at properties to stay,’’ Holmes’s agent Gavin Orr said.

“They’re (Jets) liking what they’re seeing from Val, but we all know it’s a work in progress.’’

The North Queensland Cowboys have long been suitors for Holmes, and have purposefully left some salary cap room free in 2020 in case the 24-year-old returns.