Cronulla has urged the NRL to put protections in place for clubs to ensure Valentine Holmes is the last contracted star to try his luck in the NFL with the safety net of a rugby league return if he doesn’t make the cut.

The Sharks reluctantly granted Holmes a release from the final year of his contract to pursue his American football ambitions. Cronulla had tabled a massive five-year deal - the largest the club has ever offered - to keep him amid interest from the North Queensland Cowboys.

Crossing codes: Valentine Holmes is pursuing his NFL dream. Credit:AAP

However, the Queensland and Australian star has asked for, and been granted, a release in a bid to follow in Jarryd Hayne’s footsteps and play in the NFL.

Under the terms of the release, if Holmes is unsuccessful in the NFL and wants to return to the NRL in 2019, it will be with the Sharks only. The 23-year-old will soon head to the IMG Academy in Florida to prepare for trials.