A big week for youngster Valentine Holmes became even bigger when the exciting fullback/winger extended his contact with the Sharks through until the end of the 2017 season.
Holmes showed off his enormous potential in his NRL debut last weekend, having a hand in both Sharks tries scored, with his first top grade performance a pointer to exciting times ahead for both the Cronulla club and for the talented 19-year-old.
Added to the team at late notice when Sosaia Feki was ruled out at the final training session, Holmes’s running game was a feature and with the season-ending injury to Jacob Gagan he has again been selected in the NRL squad for this week’s clash with the Warriors.
Already contracted at the Sharks for the 2015 season, in signing the new deal Holmes has extended his commitment to the Sharks for a further two years.
Current Sharks NRL coach James Shepherd, the man responsible for recruiting Holmes to the Sharks before coaching him at NYC level last year, sees an exciting future ahead.
“Valentine has great potential and has been rewarded for his good performances with this new contract,” Shepherd said. “He has plenty of talent and if he takes this opportunity and works hard I have no doubt he can become a quality first grade player for many years to come.”
After putting pen to paper on his new contract today at Sharks headquarters, the quietly spoken Holmes was thrilled to have secured the new deal.
“I’m excited about this opportunity,” Holmes said. “I’m looking forward to working hard and making the most of the next three years here at the Sharks.”
Originally from Townsville in Queensland, Holmes joined the Sharks in 2013 and after playing for the under-18 SG Ball side was promoted into the under 20’s Holden Cup squad later in the year.
He would go on to be one of the standout performers for the Sharks Under-20’s throughout 2013 and has been in similar form during the 2014 season.
Also in 2013 Holmes represented Queensland Under-18’s and was a member of the Queensland Under-20’s Origin side which played NSW back in May.
Predominantly a fullback, Holmes made a great fist of his NRL opportunity on the wing and has also played in the centres for the Sharks while coming through the lower grades.
His new contract will see Holmes added to the full-time NRL squad for the 2015 season.
Valentine Holmes ‘Fact File’
Born - 24-7-1995 – Townsville, Qld
Position – Fullback/wing
Height – 185cm
Weight – 85kgs
Junior Club – Western Lions
Rep honours – Qld Under 18’s, 2013, Qld Under 20’s Origin, 2014
NRL Debut – Sharks v Eels, round 21, 2014
