Valentine Holmes’ Return to Form and Reflections on Queensland Selection
Valentine Holmes has shared the key factors behind his impressive return to top form for St George Illawarra, as well as his lack of resentment over missing out on Queensland selection. The strike centre delivered a standout performance in the Dragons’ 30-26 victory over Brisbane on Sunday, playing a pivotal role in ending their 15-game winless streak.
Holmes, a 2016 premiership winner and a former Queensland Origin point-scoring sensation, admitted he had been underperforming in 2026. His recent resurgence was sparked by revisiting highlights from his time at North Queensland in 2022, which reminded him of the style of play that had once made him a standout player.
“I just changed things up at the start of the week and really focused on what worked for me in 2022 when I first moved to centre,” Holmes explained. “I rewatched some of my older highlights from when I was with the Cowboys on YouTube. It wasn’t something I’m proud of saying, but I was happy, playing with a smile on my face and running freely.”
He also emphasized the importance of communication with his teammates, particularly his halves. “I was talking well with my inside men and telling them how I wanted the ball,” he added.
Holmes executed all these elements perfectly against the Broncos. While he started the season strongly, he acknowledged that he had “mellowed out” and wasn’t performing at his best. “It was good to get back to what I know I can do,” he said. “The boys are really happy for me and say ‘Vintage Val’ is back. Hopefully, I can keep it up and not have a one-off game like that.”
Over his career, Holmes has played 22 games for the Maroons, scoring an impressive 154 points. Since his debut in 2017, he has been a consistent choice for Queensland, except for a brief NFL stint in 2019. However, this year, he was not selected for the first game of the Origin series in Sydney.
Holmes understands the decision, acknowledging that past performances don’t guarantee selection. “It’s about the past year, and we all know I haven’t been playing up to standard,” he said. “It’s fair play. I don’t expect Billy Slater to pick me just because of what I’ve done in the past few years. It’s unfair for people who are playing well.”
Despite the disappointment, Holmes remains focused on his current team, the Dragons. He expressed gratitude for being part of the club during their first win of the year. “The Red V is a massive club, and there are a lot of fans across Australia who support us daily,” he said. “People come up to me and say, ‘I’m a huge Dragons fan, just thinking you’re doing great.’ These moments really boost my confidence.”
Holmes continues to work hard, determined to maintain his recent form and prove that he still belongs on the big stage. His journey reflects a player who is not only striving for personal success but also committed to contributing to the legacy of the Dragons.
