Valentine Holmes to relish chance at the back for the Maroons
Cowboys sensation Valentine Holmes is bracing himself for an emphatic State of Origin return in the no. 1 jumper, after young gun fullback AJ Brimson was withdrawn from the series.
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Cowboys sensation Valentine Holmes is bracing himself for an emphatic State of Origin return in the no. 1 jumper, after young gun fullback AJ Brimson was withdrawn from the series.
Brimson was one of the stars of Wednesday night’s come from behind win, scoring a try and running for 140m in an eye-catching Queensland debut.
However the 22-year-old injured his foot late in the clash, and with Kalyn Ponga already out of the interstate contest, Holmes looms as the logical fullback replacement.
Holmes has been monumental in a maroon jumper, scoring eight tries in his five appearances on the wing.
But his credentials as a fullback are still a mystery on rugby league’s grandest stage, having impressed in his stint at the back with Cronulla prior to an indifferent and injury-hit campaign with North Queensland.
Towards the end of 2020, Holmes began to show signs of his best, combining the play making ability that was on display prior to the coronavirus pandemic with his destructive running game in wins over St. George-Illawarra and Brisbane.
Holmes has been confirmed to start at fullback, with fellow Cowboy Coen Hess dropping out of the side.
Jaydn Su’A assumes the latter’s starting spot in the backrow, while Moeaki Fotuaika will make his debut from the bench.
Dunamis Lui will become the 10th Queensland debutant for the series, starting at prop following Christian Welch’s absence due to concussion.
Having sat on the sidelines due to suspension in the opening match, Holmes said he was itching to get an opportunity to get back in the throes of rugby league’s greatest battle.
He said despite the impressive display the youthful Maroons showcased in Game One, they would have to find another gear in Sydney.
“Just to wear the jersey in general means everything, I’m just grateful and happy to be here first and foremost and if I do get to play fullback it would be a big honour and privilege,” Holmes said.
“I love playing in this arena; it’s very fun, very fast, it’s very competitive and I’m a competitive person so I love that arena.
“We know Brimmo has hurt his foot which is unfortunate, but if I’m there to be called on I’m obviously ready — I’m here, I’m ready.
“It’s always a better feeling, a better week, coming off a win but we’re not going to get too ahead of ourselves.
“Obviously we’ve got a couple more games to go and they’ll come out firing the next game, so we want to enjoy the win but be ready to go – we have to play better.”
The Blues will be entering ANZ Stadium with a do or die mentality to keep the series alive, however they will have to do so without skipper Boyd Cordner.
As inspirational as the Roosters backrower is, the head knock which temporarily forced him from the field was one in a string of concerning incidents for the 28-year-old — this being his fourth concussion in the season.
Holmes admitted he was surprised when he saw Cordner return to the action after his HIA assessment.
“I was pretty surprised to see Boyd Cordner go back out there, from my understanding when I saw him a bit dizzy and stumbling I thought maybe they should’ve given him a rest,” Holmes said.
“But he’s pretty tough, he’s played in those arenas plenty of times and passed his test.
“I’m not too sure with the concussion reals, touch wood I haven’t really been in that position, but you have to protect yourself and your head first before anything.”
Originally published as Valentine Holmes to relish chance at the back for the Maroons