Cronulla Grant Immediate Release To Valentine Holmes

The Sharks have granted Valentine Holmes an immediate release from the club as he pursues a career in the NFL.

Cronulla CEO Barry Russell met with the 23-year-old this morning after reports that he was considering a move to the US first broke.

In a statement posted just after midday, the club said the news was of "great disappointment" and "in no way the outcome [they] had planned for".

"[We] have worked hard to re-sign Holmes to a five-year extension, which would have made him the highest paid player in the club's history," they said, adding that "there was no option but to grant a release to Holmes".

Under the release agreement, Holmes will not be eligible to play for any other NRL club in 2019, meaning that if his foray into the NFL is unsuccessful, he is free to return only to Cronulla next season.

"I will be forever grateful to the Cronulla Sharks Football Club and the Sharks fans for the past 5 years of support, it was a special moment we all shared winning the Clubs first ever NRL Premiership," Holmes said.

"I understand this decision may come as a shock to many but I personally believe it's the right time for me to challenge myself and pursue this NFL opportunity.

"Hopefully the fans can understand and support me as they have done throughout my career."