Having helped Jarryd Hayne achieve his NFL dream, former San Francisco player and coach Tom Rathman has encouraged Valentine Holmes to pursue his own, declaring: “There’s no reason why you can’t come over here and be successful.”

Holmes has been granted a release from the final year of his Cronulla contract in a bid to convert to gridiron. The Queensland and Australian star is training locally with former Sharks strength and conditioning coach Trent Elkin and Sutherland Seahawks gridiron coach Peter Upham before heading to the IMG Academy in Florida.

The former Cronulla fullback hopes an American franchise will then pick him up via the NFL’s international pathways program.

Heavyweight support: An NFL legend has encouraged Holmes to pursue his dream. Credit:NRL Photos

Rathman already has experience helping an Australian athlete make the transition from league to gridiron. The champion running back, an inductee into San Francisco’s hall of fame, was part of the 49ers coaching staff when Hayne was at the club. Now an assistant at the Indiana Colts, Rathman believes Holmes can emulate Hayne and also realise his NFL ambition.