Jordan Mailata says Valentine Holmes can ‘definitely’ make the transition to American football

Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Jordan Mailata has backed Valentine Holmes to successfully transition to the NFL, saying he believes the Sharks flyer can ‘definitely’ make the transition.

CLEVELAND, OH - AUGUST 23, 2018: Offensive tackle Jordan Mailata #68 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs off the field after a preseason game against the Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2018 at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland won 5-0. (Photo by: 2018 Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images)

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Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman and former South Sydney prop Jordan Mailata has backed Valentine Holmes to make the transition to American football.

Speaking on the Macquarie Sports Radio breakfast show Mailata, who is currently in the midst of his rookie season with the Super Bowl champions, said Holmes was “a worthy athlete” but played down comparisons to Jarryd Hayne.

Mailata is in the midst of his rookie season. Photo by: 2018 Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images.

“Yes, he will definitely be able to make the transition,” Mailata said.

“There might be another Jarryd Hayne situation but honestly you can’t compare the two. They’re in two different situations”

”Their circumstances are different, they’re both approaching the NFL in a different way.”

“(He’s) Definitely worthy of making the transition”

Could Holmes make it in America? Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images.

Mailata was drafted by the Eagles earlier this year before he even played a down in American football.

The 21-year old is the biggest success story of the NFL’s International Player Pathways program, which may help Holmes make an NFL squad.

Valentine Holmes too slow for NFL are they kidding? Obvious downplay to cut $offer.

— Lawrence Walker (@Rordan508) November 19, 2018

Valentine Holmes going to the NFL is hilarious. 6 foot & 90 kg's but only runs a 4.6 40 yards. There's 100 guys better in the college system. If he was serious, he'd try a year or 2 of NCAA football 1st. Still more of a chance than Hayne due to age tho #NFL #NRL

— mattyjojo (@mattyjojojnr) November 19, 2018

Valentine Holmes sounds like he is trying to squeeze more money out of the Sharks. Solid winger but not special as a FB imo, doesn’t have enough punch when returning the ball

— RooStár 🐓🏆 (@IMAROOSTAR) November 19, 2018

Let's hope Uncle Nick throws out the net to catch Valentine Holmes when he falls out of the NFL and back into the NRL in a season or two. 🐓🙌#EastsToWin

— Andy Pan (@Rewster7) November 19, 2018

Ahhh Valentine Holmes another Jarryd Hayne

— Matthew (@djebel) November 19, 2018

Don’t know why there’s so much hate for the Love Detective Valentine Holmes possibly trying his hand at NFL. If it’s true, it’ll be exciting to follow his journey just as it was watching Hayne although that was so brief. I wish Holmes all the best!

— Rob Bechara (@BecharaRob) November 19, 2018

Valentine Holmes will be trash in the NFL. That is my analysis.

— Ben Quagliata (@QuagSport) November 19, 2018

All about Valentine Holmes having a crack at the #NFL. The odds are against him, but if he is patient enough he could eventually get there. I’d love to see it happen, and rest assured I’ll be getting a Holmes jersey if he makes it. #NRL

— Caden Helmers (@cadenhelmers) November 19, 2018

Valentine Holmes has been home sick first day he went to Sydney he wouldn't last in America he's
A Townsville boy and will play here.

— Ryan 711 (@ryan711) November 19, 2018

Waiting for the “valentine Holmes dream” jokes to start...

— Todd Greasley (@ToddGreasley) November 19, 2018

Every Test, ODI, T20I, and BBL match live & ad-break free during play. SIGN UP TODAY!

Originally published as Jordan Mailata says Valentine Holmes can ‘definitely’ make the transition to American football