Valentine Holmes has been released from the New York Jets’ practice squad as the former NRL star eyes a return to Australia to resume his rugby league career.

The 24-year-old Holmes joined New York in April as a running back-wide receiver as part of the NFL’s international player pathway program.

North Queensland is expected to be his NRL destination.

A premiership player in the NRL for Cronulla, Holmes headed to the United States for a chance to pursue his dream of playing American football in the NFL.

Holmes took part in off-season workouts, training camp and the pre-season with New York but failed to land a berth on Jets’ roster for the current NFL season.

His release clears the way for a return to the NRL where has has been strongly linked to a move to North Queensland.

Any deal with the Cowboys will be reportedly worth around $1 million a season.

Despite missing a place on the Jets’ roster, Holmes remained in the American football system.

As part of the NFL’s program, all four AFC East teams received an extra spot on their practice squads this season for players to continue working.

Holmes had one year left on his NRL deal and passed up a reported $700,000 when he was granted a release from his Sharks contract after the 2018 season.