The American agent who represented Jarryd Hayne during his NFL stint has offered to guide Valentine Holmes through his own journey from rugby league to gridiron.
Holmes has walked away from the final year of his Cronulla deal and a five-year, $5 million contract extension offer to pursue his NFL ambition. It is a bold gamble akin to the one that Hayne took when the two-time Dally M medallist also left rugby league in the prime of his career to switch codes.
Against all the odds, Hayne landed a contract with San Francisco, making history by becoming the first NRL player to play an NFL game. In all, he made eight appearances for the 49ers before returning to the game he made his name in.
Seasoned operator: Jarryd Hayne’s former US agent Jack Bechta has offered his services to Valentine Holmes.Credit:Michael Chammas
Respected American agent Jack Bechta, who has signed 250 NFL contracts during his three decades in the business, oversaw Hayne’s remarkable journey. Speaking from his residence in California, Bechta offered his services to Holmes to help him navigate the pitfalls during the Maroons and Kangaroos star's own transition.
“Absolutely,” Bechta told Fairfax Media.
“I don’t want to step on his current management’s toes, they have a place.
“What’s happening is we’re starting to see some European and Australian-based rugby managers get certified so they can represent the player and depend on the direction of the players’ union.
“No offence to anyone, but that’s usually a mistake because someone like myself, who has 30 years of knowledge [is required]. I grew up with the GMs in this business; I know them all very well. There is a lot of scrutiny and attention that comes along with signing a foreigner. Do they want that? Is it needed? Is it helpful?
“The NFL has an international program in place that, if Valentine qualifies for it, can buy him time and help ramp him up.
“But it’s up to a seasoned agent to decide if that’s the best program for him or does the agent hire specific coaches to teach him.”
Crossing codes: Valentine Holmes is pursuing his NFL dream.Credit:AAP
Bechta has a proven track record in working with transitioning Australian athletes. He managed the decade-long career of punter Matt Briar, worked with Aussie pioneer Darren Bennett and helped Penrith-born basketballer and rugby star Hayden Smith become a tight-end for the New York Jets.
“I’d probably have more experience than anyone in terms of having guys make it, having success and actually play,” Bechta said.
“Without pissing off all the rugby fans in the southern hemisphere, I encourage guys to look at it.
“A lot of guys are making the mistake of making the transition without knowing all the facts.
“If you talk to Jarryd Hayne, Haynesy would tell you he doesn’t understand how the contracts work, he doesn’t understand he’s going in comparable to an undrafted free agent.
“There’s a lot he doesn’t know about the limitations and the ceilings on his contract. But he still accepted it, went for it and did it all himself.
“I hope Valentine has been educated on the economics and does the math – what am I leaving on the table in terms of the max amount I can make over the next three, five or seven years?
“The reality is it takes a player four accrued seasons to get to free agency. If a player is making $US1m in Oz, there’s a very good chance he won’t make that in his first two years over here.
“It’s a financial risk.”
Holmes’ plan is to prepare at the IMG Academy in Florida before before embarking on the NFL’s International Pathway program. Bechta said it’s a path that warranted consideration, but there may be better alternatives for Holmes.
“I did that for Jarryd, I did that for Hayden Smith – I hired the best tight-end coaches who happened to be out of a job,” he said.
“It’s really important that Valentine has a unique trait. So when everyone lining up for a slot position or a return position, [you look at] what makes them different to everyone else.
“What makes him special? Can he run a 4.3 second 40 [yards]? Can he jump really high? Does he have exceptional hand-eye coordination? How do the instincts translate?
“I personally wish him the best of luck, I’m excited for him. I’d like to see a few of your guys come over and they are welcome to give me a call any time. Even if they don’t hire me, I’d be more that happy to help them.”
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