Former Gold Coast SUN Joel Wilkinson could follow in the footsteps of former NFL player Jarryd Hayne after being signed by the Arizona Cardinals.

The Cardinals believe the athletic 186cm tall has the potential to play in the defensive cornerback position. Wilkinson will have the opportunity to train with the Cardinals squad as he strives for a position on their final roster.

The Broadbeach product grew up on the Gold Coast and made his debut for the SUNS in Round 14 of the 2011 season against the Western Bulldogs after being selected as a Queensland Zone selection towards the end of 2010.

Wilkinson played 26 games for the SUNS in the club’s first three seasons before being delisted at the end of 2013 and remains one of the most athletic players to step inside the walls of Metricon Stadium. In 2010, Wilkinson achieved a 20m sprint of 2.75 seconds at the NAB AFL Draft Combine to go with a beep test result of 15.3.

The inaugural SUN also still holds the bench press record inside the gym at Carrara.