Latest news with #ValentineHolmes
The Advertiser
27-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Who dares wings: Val Holmes in on medal performance
Valentine Holmes is back in the position where he scores State of Origin tries for fun, preparing to join a prestigious group that has played 20 games for Queensland. The 29-year-old will be awarded the FOGS Dick 'Tosser' Turner Medal after the series opener on Wednesday night, in honour of the late and legendary former team manager regarded as the godfather of the Maroons. Queensland skipper Daly Cherry-Evans (25 games) is the only other Maroon in the current team to have been awarded the medal. "It means everything to me," Holmes told AAP. "You want to wear the jersey once but to do it 20 times is very special. It makes me feel old in one way but it is also very humbling. I can't wait. I think of the great players that have played 20 Origins and it is not an easy task. I am grateful and honoured. "Ben Hunt last year played his 20th and we had a chat about what (Turner) meant for the state and this team. It is pretty cool how the Maroons honour people of the past who have done so much for this jersey." Holmes is the third-highest tryscorer in State of Origin history with 13, behind Greg Inglis (18) and Darius Boyd (17). Incredibly nine of those tries have come from his eight matches on the wing, rather than at centre where he plays club footy for St George Illawarra. Holmes was going to play in the centres in game one until injuries on the cusp of the team being announced forced a change by coach Billy Slater, with Sydney Roosters rookie Robert Toia thrust into the position. "Selwyn Cobbo hurt his wrist when we played the Broncos and Bill called me and said that I would have to make the change after Murray Taulagi had also done his calf," Holmes said. "I feel like I am a specialist on the wing as well so it's not like it is a foreign position for me. I was just glad I wasn't getting the call to say they weren't going with me. For me it just means that I probably get to score another try or two. Nothing changes. "I will play my heart out and do all I can for this team and jersey in my 20th game." The 2016 premiership winner made the move from North Queensland to the Dragons this year and has built into top form. "Coming into a new team it probably takes a bit of time to get used to," Holmes said. "We have a new spine with Clint Gutherson and Damien Cook and a real camaraderie as well. "I feel like we have had good moments where we have beaten Melbourne and Brisbane but then we have lost three games by one point, which is disappointing because if we win two of those we are sitting in the top eight. "With the team around me I feel happy. I am excited to go to training and when I am out there playing I am running around with a smile on my face whether we win or lose. We have a tight-knit group and there is something building." Valentine Holmes is back in the position where he scores State of Origin tries for fun, preparing to join a prestigious group that has played 20 games for Queensland. The 29-year-old will be awarded the FOGS Dick 'Tosser' Turner Medal after the series opener on Wednesday night, in honour of the late and legendary former team manager regarded as the godfather of the Maroons. Queensland skipper Daly Cherry-Evans (25 games) is the only other Maroon in the current team to have been awarded the medal. "It means everything to me," Holmes told AAP. "You want to wear the jersey once but to do it 20 times is very special. It makes me feel old in one way but it is also very humbling. I can't wait. I think of the great players that have played 20 Origins and it is not an easy task. I am grateful and honoured. "Ben Hunt last year played his 20th and we had a chat about what (Turner) meant for the state and this team. It is pretty cool how the Maroons honour people of the past who have done so much for this jersey." Holmes is the third-highest tryscorer in State of Origin history with 13, behind Greg Inglis (18) and Darius Boyd (17). Incredibly nine of those tries have come from his eight matches on the wing, rather than at centre where he plays club footy for St George Illawarra. Holmes was going to play in the centres in game one until injuries on the cusp of the team being announced forced a change by coach Billy Slater, with Sydney Roosters rookie Robert Toia thrust into the position. "Selwyn Cobbo hurt his wrist when we played the Broncos and Bill called me and said that I would have to make the change after Murray Taulagi had also done his calf," Holmes said. "I feel like I am a specialist on the wing as well so it's not like it is a foreign position for me. I was just glad I wasn't getting the call to say they weren't going with me. For me it just means that I probably get to score another try or two. Nothing changes. "I will play my heart out and do all I can for this team and jersey in my 20th game." The 2016 premiership winner made the move from North Queensland to the Dragons this year and has built into top form. "Coming into a new team it probably takes a bit of time to get used to," Holmes said. "We have a new spine with Clint Gutherson and Damien Cook and a real camaraderie as well. "I feel like we have had good moments where we have beaten Melbourne and Brisbane but then we have lost three games by one point, which is disappointing because if we win two of those we are sitting in the top eight. "With the team around me I feel happy. I am excited to go to training and when I am out there playing I am running around with a smile on my face whether we win or lose. We have a tight-knit group and there is something building." Valentine Holmes is back in the position where he scores State of Origin tries for fun, preparing to join a prestigious group that has played 20 games for Queensland. The 29-year-old will be awarded the FOGS Dick 'Tosser' Turner Medal after the series opener on Wednesday night, in honour of the late and legendary former team manager regarded as the godfather of the Maroons. Queensland skipper Daly Cherry-Evans (25 games) is the only other Maroon in the current team to have been awarded the medal. "It means everything to me," Holmes told AAP. "You want to wear the jersey once but to do it 20 times is very special. It makes me feel old in one way but it is also very humbling. I can't wait. I think of the great players that have played 20 Origins and it is not an easy task. I am grateful and honoured. "Ben Hunt last year played his 20th and we had a chat about what (Turner) meant for the state and this team. It is pretty cool how the Maroons honour people of the past who have done so much for this jersey." Holmes is the third-highest tryscorer in State of Origin history with 13, behind Greg Inglis (18) and Darius Boyd (17). Incredibly nine of those tries have come from his eight matches on the wing, rather than at centre where he plays club footy for St George Illawarra. Holmes was going to play in the centres in game one until injuries on the cusp of the team being announced forced a change by coach Billy Slater, with Sydney Roosters rookie Robert Toia thrust into the position. "Selwyn Cobbo hurt his wrist when we played the Broncos and Bill called me and said that I would have to make the change after Murray Taulagi had also done his calf," Holmes said. "I feel like I am a specialist on the wing as well so it's not like it is a foreign position for me. I was just glad I wasn't getting the call to say they weren't going with me. For me it just means that I probably get to score another try or two. Nothing changes. "I will play my heart out and do all I can for this team and jersey in my 20th game." The 2016 premiership winner made the move from North Queensland to the Dragons this year and has built into top form. "Coming into a new team it probably takes a bit of time to get used to," Holmes said. "We have a new spine with Clint Gutherson and Damien Cook and a real camaraderie as well. "I feel like we have had good moments where we have beaten Melbourne and Brisbane but then we have lost three games by one point, which is disappointing because if we win two of those we are sitting in the top eight. "With the team around me I feel happy. I am excited to go to training and when I am out there playing I am running around with a smile on my face whether we win or lose. We have a tight-knit group and there is something building."
ABC News
27-05-2025
- Sport
- ABC News
Payne Haas cleared to play State of Origin but Stephen Crichton doubtful for NSW Blues
Payne Haas will play for NSW, but Stephen Crichton will need to prove his fitness on the morning of the State of Origin opener. The Canterbury captain and star centre is battling a corked quadriceps he suffered in a collision during training on Monday, forcing him to leave the session early. ABC Sport will have live blog coverage of the women's and men's State of Origin series. Campbell Graham is on stand-by for the Lang Park opener if Crichton is not cleared. Coach Laurie Daley said he would give his right centre every chance, confident Test talent Graham could slot in at late notice given he had been in camp since day one. Daley, speaking before Tuesday's captain's run, cleared Brisbane prop Haas despite the Broncos weapon not yet training fully in the Blues' camp as he battled his own quadriceps complaint. "Payne will play [and, with] Critta, see how he is tomorrow," Daley said. "He didn't have scans; it's a cork, no strain or anything like that. "Just trying to control the swelling and see how he is tomorrow morning." Meanwhile, Valentine Holmes is preparing to join a prestigious group that has played 20 games for Queensland. The 29-year-old will be awarded the FOGS Dick "Tosser" Turner Medal after the series opener on Wednesday night, in honour of the late and legendary former team manager regarded as the godfather of the Maroons. Queensland skipper Daly Cherry-Evans (25 games) is the only other Maroon in the current team to have been awarded the medal for reaching the 20-game milestone. "It means everything to me," Holmes told AAP. "You want to wear the jersey once, but to do it 20 times is very special. It makes me feel old in one way but it is also very humbling. I can't wait. I think of the great players that have played 20 Origins and it is not an easy task. I am grateful and honoured. "Ben Hunt last year played his 20th and we had a chat about what [Turner] meant for the state and this team. It is pretty cool how the Maroons honour people of the past who have done so much for this jersey." Holmes is the third-highest tryscorer in State of Origin history with 13, behind Greg Inglis (18) and Darius Boyd (17). AAP
West Australian
27-05-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Who dares wings: Val Holmes in on medal performance
Valentine Holmes is back in the position where he scores State of Origin tries for fun, preparing to join a prestigious group that has played 20 games for Queensland. The 29-year-old will be awarded the FOGS Dick 'Tosser' Turner Medal after the series opener on Wednesday night, in honour of the late and legendary former team manager regarded as the godfather of the Maroons. Queensland skipper Daly Cherry-Evans (25 games) is the only other Maroon in the current team to have been awarded the medal. "It means everything to me," Holmes told AAP. "You want to wear the jersey once but to do it 20 times is very special. It makes me feel old in one way but it is also very humbling. I can't wait. I think of the great players that have played 20 Origins and it is not an easy task. I am grateful and honoured. "Ben Hunt last year played his 20th and we had a chat about what (Turner) meant for the state and this team. It is pretty cool how the Maroons honour people of the past who have done so much for this jersey." Holmes is the third-highest tryscorer in State of Origin history with 13, behind Greg Inglis (18) and Darius Boyd (17). Incredibly nine of those tries have come from his eight matches on the wing, rather than at centre where he plays club footy for St George Illawarra. Holmes was going to play in the centres in game one until injuries on the cusp of the team being announced forced a change by coach Billy Slater, with Sydney Roosters rookie Robert Toia thrust into the position. "Selwyn Cobbo hurt his wrist when we played the Broncos and Bill called me and said that I would have to make the change after Murray Taulagi had also done his calf," Holmes said. "I feel like I am a specialist on the wing as well so it's not like it is a foreign position for me. I was just glad I wasn't getting the call to say they weren't going with me. For me it just means that I probably get to score another try or two. Nothing changes. "I will play my heart out and do all I can for this team and jersey in my 20th game." The 2016 premiership winner made the move from North Queensland to the Dragons this year and has built into top form. "Coming into a new team it probably takes a bit of time to get used to," Holmes said. "We have a new spine with Clint Gutherson and Damien Cook and a real camaraderie as well. "I feel like we have had good moments where we have beaten Melbourne and Brisbane but then we have lost three games by one point, which is disappointing because if we win two of those we are sitting in the top eight. "With the team around me I feel happy. I am excited to go to training and when I am out there playing I am running around with a smile on my face whether we win or lose. We have a tight-knit group and there is something building."
Perth Now
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Who dares wings: Val Holmes in on medal performance
Valentine Holmes is back in the position where he scores State of Origin tries for fun, preparing to join a prestigious group that has played 20 games for Queensland. The 29-year-old will be awarded the FOGS Dick 'Tosser' Turner Medal after the series opener on Wednesday night, in honour of the late and legendary former team manager regarded as the godfather of the Maroons. Queensland skipper Daly Cherry-Evans (25 games) is the only other Maroon in the current team to have been awarded the medal. "It means everything to me," Holmes told AAP. "You want to wear the jersey once but to do it 20 times is very special. It makes me feel old in one way but it is also very humbling. I can't wait. I think of the great players that have played 20 Origins and it is not an easy task. I am grateful and honoured. "Ben Hunt last year played his 20th and we had a chat about what (Turner) meant for the state and this team. It is pretty cool how the Maroons honour people of the past who have done so much for this jersey." Holmes is the third-highest tryscorer in State of Origin history with 13, behind Greg Inglis (18) and Darius Boyd (17). Incredibly nine of those tries have come from his eight matches on the wing, rather than at centre where he plays club footy for St George Illawarra. Holmes was going to play in the centres in game one until injuries on the cusp of the team being announced forced a change by coach Billy Slater, with Sydney Roosters rookie Robert Toia thrust into the position. "Selwyn Cobbo hurt his wrist when we played the Broncos and Bill called me and said that I would have to make the change after Murray Taulagi had also done his calf," Holmes said. "I feel like I am a specialist on the wing as well so it's not like it is a foreign position for me. I was just glad I wasn't getting the call to say they weren't going with me. For me it just means that I probably get to score another try or two. Nothing changes. "I will play my heart out and do all I can for this team and jersey in my 20th game." The 2016 premiership winner made the move from North Queensland to the Dragons this year and has built into top form. "Coming into a new team it probably takes a bit of time to get used to," Holmes said. "We have a new spine with Clint Gutherson and Damien Cook and a real camaraderie as well. "I feel like we have had good moments where we have beaten Melbourne and Brisbane but then we have lost three games by one point, which is disappointing because if we win two of those we are sitting in the top eight. "With the team around me I feel happy. I am excited to go to training and when I am out there playing I am running around with a smile on my face whether we win or lose. We have a tight-knit group and there is something building."
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Selwyn Cobbo's snub raises more questions for Slater as ugly claim resurfaces
Questions are being asked of Billy Slater's snub of Broncos back Selwyn Cobbo after the Queensland coach opted to surprise fans and select Robert Toia in the Maroons side. Toia was the biggest surprise selection for both sides with the Roosters centre only 10-games into his NRL career. Having battled injuries early in his footy career, Toia has stood out for the Roosters to star the 2025 NRL season. However, even Queensland supporters were surprised to see Toia make his way into the Origin side, which pushed Valentine Holmes to the wing. Slater's decision to move Holmes to the wing was an interesting move when Broncos back Cobbo has played with new vigour under Michael Maguire this year. Cobbo started the season on the wing for the Broncos, before filling in for Reece Walsh at fullback for the last three games. Despite injuring his wrist in the last game, Cobbo was free to be selected for State of Origin Game 1. However, Slater opted to shuffle the team and selected debutant Toia to play in the centres. Holmes then shifted to right wing, after Murray Taulagi went down injured a couple of days before selection. Xavier Coates occupies the left side for Queensland. And NRL reporter Danny Weidler has questioned Slater's decision to leave Cobbo out completely. The Broncos winger didn't take part in Game 2 and 3 last year having been omitted from the squad. Cobbo was reportedly carrying a few injuries and was left out, despite the winger making himself available for the Game 3 decider. Last year's snub blew up after Weidler went public with the claims that Slater and Cobbo had clashed over their differing views on training and weren't 'seeing eye-to-eye'. Slater rubbished these claims and was unimpressed with the reports. While Cobbo did hurt his wrist against the Dragons on the weekend, he appears to have been cleared of any injury. And Cobbo's absence from the Queensland squad for Game 1 at Suncorp has Weidler once again questioning his snub. "It's mysterious to say the you look at the fact that they have brought in an absolute rookie, he is going to be a very good player, they brought him in rather than maybe take a chance of seeing whether that scan was OK," Weidler said of Cobbo's injury and snub. "They didn't even bother selecting Selwyn Cobbo. I stand by that story...I think that Selwyn is not there tells me something. I know he is fit. I have been told there is not an injury there. I don't think there's been a satisfactory or suitable explanation as to what's going worth asking more questions about." While Weidler isn't backing down, Slater addressed the story last year. The Queensland coach called ut the claims last year in a press conference having labelled the story as 'fake news'. "I actually haven't seen Selwyn more happy, I haven't seen him more engaged in his football and he's had a great week," the coach told reporters in 2024. "He is ready to play - gone are the days that you've got to report the truth. I don't know where that's come from, but it's totally fake news. "Danny Weidler, I'm not sure, that's honestly the first I've heard of it. I was actually having a conversation yesterday with some of the coaching staff about how well his week has gone and he is ready to play. "[My relationship] with Selwyn? It couldn't be stronger, I can't be more clear of that. For me to talk about this is totally irrelevant 24 hours before a game. Selwyn and I are fine and that's total fake news. "Honestly, the accountability to report the truth is obviously not there, to throw that sort of stuff out. I like plenty about what Selwyn brings to the footy team. He just wasn't quite right to play in Game 2 and he will be the first to admit that - but he's good to go now."
