One of the last to front at Cronulla headquarters ahead of the 2018 season was Kangaroo stand out Valentine Holmes, with the Sharks star granted a few extra weeks break following his World Cup commitments.
Holmes led the try scorers for all teams at the World Cup, crossing for an incredible five tries in one match, only to better that mark with six in the subsequent game.
“I was lucky enough to play all the games,” Holmes said. “We had a good team, we stuck to our plan, wore the opposition down, then shifted the ball and I got lucky to get a few tries.”
Playing alongside new Sharks recruit Josh Dugan, it was a remarkable effort from the Sharks flyer, who now gets the chance to play in the same club side as his Kangaroos teammate.
However, such was the rapport the pair built up during the World Cup, when quizzed about his combination with Dugan, Holmes was confident enough to think he could get away with a little bit of subtle banter.
“Some of the tries were just catch and put the ball down, so big credit to him considering he doesn’t pass much,” Holmes said.
As for the Sharks, Holmes admitted he was a little sore after his first three days back at training but already he was looking forward to what 2018 might bring.
“It’s good to be back, seeing the new faces around the training paddock and to be getting back into a routine.
“I’m very excited for what this year is going to be and I can’t wait,” Holmes added.
In an interview with Sharks TV earlier today, Holmes also spoke about the new boys in the club and his skiing adventure to Japan, with his interview now playing.
