’Stronger, faster’ Valentine Holmes returns a new player

North Queensland recruit Valentine Holmes has officially been unveiled by the Cowboys, and he says he’s evolved physically as he prepares for a return to the NRL.

North Queensland Cowboys new signing Valentine Holmes has been unveiled. Picture: Cowboys

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Star Cowboys recruit Valentine Holmes believes his best football is still ahead of him as he returns to rugby league “stronger, faster, and more agile” following his NFL experiment with the New York Jets.

Holmes was officially unveiled by the Cowboys at a press conference on Monday after the Western Lions junior was released by the Jets to sign a lucrative six-year deal back in the NRL.

The former Cronulla Sharks flyer has not played rugby league in more than 12 months after spending the 2019 season on the Jets’ practice squad as an International Pathways Player.

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North Queensland Cowboys new signing Valentine Holmes has been unveiled. Picture: Cowboys

Holmes was one of rugby league’s most exciting talents before his NFL sojourn – scoring 22 tries from just 26 games for the Sharks in 2018 along with 26 line breaks.

The 24-year-old had to bulk up as he attempted to crack the NFL, but Holmes said he was already back to his NRL playing weight and he felt his overseas experience would actually complement his rugby league skills.

“I feel a bit stronger, a bit a faster, probably a bit (better) agility-wise, but just more my stamina I probably need to focus on and obviously my ball skills,” Holmes said.

“I haven’t thrown around a footy in a while, but I’m sure I’ll get it back.

“I made big sacrifices with the decision going over (to the NFL) and I don’t have any regrets.

“I’ve learnt a lot as a person and an athlete over there from those guys and the coaching staff.

Holmes signing on alongside his agent Chris Orr: Picture: Cowboys

I was just more out there to explore things and I was really happy with what I did there.”

Holmes is not the first NRL star to attempt to the transition back from the NFL after former Eels fullback Jarryd Hayne sent shockwaves through the code when he headed to the US in 2014.

Hayne, then 27, went a step further than Holmes as he earned a spot on the 53-man NFL roster with the San Francisco 49ers – making eight appearances in his one season before returning to Australia.

A stint with the Gold Coast Titans followed before Hayne linked back up with the Eels, but the two-time Dally M Medal winner has never recaptured his best form.

Holmes has no regrets about his NFL stint. Picture: Adam Hunger

Holmes was confident he won’t be left wanting in his NRL comeback and said he was driven to repay the faith from the Cowboys, who kept in contact throughout his time with the Jets.

“(Hayne) was a little bit older than me so it would have been a bit harder for him to come back just as good as he was, but I’m pretty confident in myself,” Holmes said.

“I just try and play every game as hard as I can like it’s my last. It’s one thing my dad’s always told me and I’ll keep that going when I’m here.

“I’m here to win so that’s the way my mindset’s going to be.

“When I was moving overseas (the Cowboys) didn’t know what I was going to do so to show that faith in me is awesome and I’ll try and show it back when I’m playing.”

Cowboys coach Paul Green also believed Holmes would return from his NFL stint a better athlete as the club looks to get its prized signing on the training field as soon as possible.

“Val’s obviously had a big few days so we’ll give him some time to get over the flight and get back into a regular sleep pattern and all that sort of stuff,” Green said.

“We’re keen to take advantage of him being back early by getting him on the paddock with a ball in hand and getting to know his new team mates.”