Sydney Roosters front-rower De La Salla Va'a plans to pursue his goal of making the NFL during the NRL off-season.
Va'a made his debut in 2024 and has played just three games.
His most recent appearance came in the last round of this season against the South Sydney Rabbitohs, when Trent Robinson rested his first-grade side ahead of the first week of the finals.
The 21-year-old hopes to achieve his NFL goal through the NFL's International Pathways Program.
Speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald, Va'a revealed there has been interest from the NFL.
“Look, there's been [NFL] interest,” Va'a told the publication.
“They've reached out and invited me to some trials. I think I'd be silly not to at least give it a crack, see how it goes. Obviously, I still have commitments here with the Roosters, and when the time comes, I'll have those conversations with them. I think it would be silly of me not to at least have a crack.”
Va'a is not the first young front-rower that attempted the same course of action.
Brisbane Broncos front-rower Benjamin Te Kura was allowed by the club to chase his NFL dream in a six-week leave of absence. The 6'9 front-rower is no longer with the Broncos.
“The plan is to ask for a 10-week release because if I make it through to the camp, the IPP, that goes for 10 weeks,” Va'a said.
“Obviously, the dream scenario is 10 weeks, and in case I don't make it, I come back, but we'll cross that bridge when we get to it.
“I know a few other boys from other codes have also gone down that route, so I think I'll just give it a crack and see how it goes.”
Va'a, who weighs 121 kilograms, wants to join the list of NRL players who have made their way to the NFL.
2025 NRL Pre-Season Challenge – Dragons v Roosters
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 16: De La Salle Va'a of the Roosters is tackled during the 2025 NRL Pre-Season Challenge match between St George Illawarra Dragons and Sydney Roosters at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium on February 16, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Jordan Mailata, a former South Sydney Rabbitohs player in the reserve-grade competition, has made an incredible NFL for himself, becoming a Super Bowl champion in 2025.
Jarryd Hayne is the only other NRL player to have played in the NFL, making eight appearances for the San Francisco 49ers.
North Queensland Cowboys forward Jason Taumalolo and Valentine Holmes attempted to make the NFL, but failed to make the switch.
Taumalolo and Holmes participated in an open combine workout in front of 14 NFL franchises in November 2016.
Valentine Holmes played for the New York Jets in 2019 via the NFL International Player Pathway Program and spent the 2019 season on the Jets' practice squad after being cut from the 53-man roster before returning to the NRL.
The Roosters front-rower is confident and wants to "give it a crack", and although he has only watched NFL highlights, he's excited about the chance to showcase what he can bring to the table.
“You watch the highlights here and there, but I was never properly a fan of the game,” he said.
“But you always see how large the game is and how big it is, and you always want to be a part of that. So, I'm definitely always keen to give it a crack.
“Obviously, I'm big enough to play offensive line if I put on some size, but they said, based on the video footage, they felt my athleticism could also put me in potentially another position. So, I guess I'll have to wait until they see me in person and make that decision for themselves.”
Va'a wants to talk with the Sydney Roosters about whether he can attempt to pursue the sport.