Valentine Holmes, Jason Taumalolo have spoken for the first time is flying to US for NFL trials

COWBOYS hulk Jason Taumalolo and Valentine Holmes haven’t ruled out quitting the NRL, insisting they are serious about the trial that could deliver NFL contracts.

COWBOYS hulk Jason Taumalolo and Valentine Holmes haven’t ruled out quitting the NRL, insisting they are serious about the gridiron trial that could deliver NFL contracts.

The star duo on Friday spoke for the first time since stunning the NRL fraternity by secretly flying to Los Angeles to explore their NFL prospects before America’s best scouts.

D-Day for Taumalolo and Holmes arrives Sunday morning (AEDT) when the pair undergo a testing regimen that will tell NFL scouts whether they have the skill set to succeed in a foreign game.

Holmes’ Sharks skipper Paul Gallen has dismissed their NFL dalliance, claiming the American trip is a ploy to bump-up the value of their NRL contracts.

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Taumalolo and Holmes will honour their respective deals, but revealed the 2017 campaign could be their final year in rugby league if NFL scouts make a formal offer.

Jason Taumalolo and Valentine Holmes enjoy the Santa Monica sunset ahead of their Los Angeles NFL testing camp. Pic Nathan Edwards

“I am very serious about playing NFL,” Taumalolo said as he and Holmes threw a gridiron ball along Santa Monica Pier wearing LA Dodgers baseball caps.

“I guess I took everyone by surprise by flying here. When the news broke, a lot of people were saying we shouldn’t have done it and obviously there are people bagging us about coming here. But I’m not too stressed what people think.

“I wouldn’t come here if I wasn’t genuine about making it in the NFL. The best athletes are here in America and I want to see how good I am going up against these guys.

“I will definitely see out my contract with the Cowboys. They have done a lot for me as a club and I will always appreciate that. If I was to leave for the NFL, I would honour my deal with the Cowboys first.

“But if I don’t give NFL a crack I will regret it later on. I’m here now. I’m giving it a go, so let’s see how it goes.”

The loss of Taumalolo and Holmes would be a crushing blow for the NRL as they are two of the code’s most exciting and destructive talents.

Valentine Holmes and Jason Taumalolo are in LA for an NFL testing camp.

Holmes said critics deriding his American sojourn fail to understand his passion for the NFL. The 21-year-old insists he is treating Sunday’s testing session as a platform to win an NFL contract.

“I’m similar to Jason, NFL is definitely a serious option,” Cronulla’s premiership-winning winger said.

“I didn’t read what ‘Gal’ said, I heard about it but I’m sure he’s just stirring me up.

“I wouldn’t come all this way just for a training run — I want to pursue a career in the NFL.

“It would be hard to leave rugby league. I’ve had an awesome time. It’s been a dream come true to win a premiership and the Sharks fans in the Shire wouldn’t be too happy with me, but I just want to follow my dream.

“I love how competitive the game is in America and even if this doesn’t work out, just to be able to do this trial is something I appreciate.”

Reigning Dally M Medallist Taumalolo, who turns 24 next May, believes he is at the right age to explore a future in the NFL.

“The time is important,” he said.

“At my age ... Jarryd Hayne didn’t get the luxury of being that young and I feel I’m at the right age to make the most of any opportunity.

“I have plenty of years ahead of me so why not give it a crack now? I’m at that age where you think nothing can break you, I could always go back to rugby league if things in the NFL didn’t work out.”

Taumalolo and Holmes’ agent, Pacific Sports Management director Chris Orr, believes the level of interest is a reflection of their athletic ability and the fact highly-respected Jeff Foster, who runs the NFL Combine, is conducting the workout.

“We are very fortunate to have someone of Jeff’s experience involved,” Orr said. “The boys are excited ... professionally it’s a great experience.”

Originally published as Valentine Holmes, Jason Taumalolo have spoken for the first time is flying to US for NFL trials