This was published 1 year ago
Cowboys respond to Holmes white bag photo as NRL investigates
By Michael Chammas and Dan Walsh
The NRL is investigating a social media post of North Queensland Cowboys superstar Valentine Holmes with a white bag in his mouth.
The NRL is aware of the Instagram story post, which has since been deleted, and have begun to ask questions of the club.
Valentine Holmes with a white bag in his mouth.
NRL sources with knowledge of the matter told this masthead the post was put up in the early hours of Sunday morning, and began circulating after it was screenshotted by multiple followers.
The NRL said “the Integrity Unit was aware of the matter”. It is unclear what is in the bag.
The Cowboys also confirmed they were aware of the photo of the Australian and Queensland representative and are cooperating with the NRL to try and determine when the photo was taken.
“The North Queensland Cowboys are aware of a photo posted to social media by a Cowboys player this morning,” a club statement said.
Cowboys star Valentine Holmes in action.Credit: Getty
“The club is conducting an investigation as well as assisting the NRL Integrity Unit. The Cowboys will make no further comment until the investigations are completed.”
Holmes’ manager declined to comment when he was contacted by this masthead.
Holmes, who won a premiership with the Cronulla Sharks back in 2016, is one of the biggest stars of the sport.
He left the NRL to try and crack it in the NFL but, despite landing a practice contract with the New York Jets, didn’t play a game for the franchise.
He returned to the NRL a year later, linking up with the Cowboys in 2020 and has now played 179 games in first grade, as well as 12 for Australia and 16 State of Origin matches for Queensland.
More to come