Kangaroos winger Valentine Holmes has agreed to a two-year contract extension with NRL premiers Cronulla, putting off plans to pursue a switch to the NFL.
Holmes was off-contract at the end of this season but on Monday agreed to re-sign with the Sharks until the end of 2019 with the option for a further year in 2020.
The 21-year-old, who was mostly on the wing during their breakthrough premiership triumph last year, is expected to play fullback this year after Ben Barba was released following a positive drug test to cocaine.
Holmes would've been hot property on the open market but it wasn't just rival NRL clubs interested in the flyer's future.
Along with North Queensland giant Jason Taumalolo, Holmes travelled to Los Angeles last November to work out in front of NFL scouts with the aim of landing a rich franchise deal.
It was reported that officials from the Green Bay Packers, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs and Arizona Cardinals were the most curious.
Holmes' signature will be a huge relief for the Sharks given the impression he's made since making his debut as an 18-year-old in 2014.
His electrifying pace has led to him scoring 38 tries in 57 games and his form was rewarded with selection in the Kangaroos squad for the Four Nations Tour at the end of 2016.
"It's very exciting and good I was able to get it done before the start of the season," Holmes said in a statement.
"We're trying to keep the same team that won the premiership together, it's a great bunch of guys, there are some good young blokes coming through and I'm really happy with the way we are going.
"As for playing fullback, I can't wait to play there."
Holmes injured his hamstring in the Sharks' trial match against Brisbane on Saturday night but said on Monday the grade two strain wasn't as bad as first thought.
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