Reward for Valentine

MAROONS speed machine Valentine Holmes says his Origin hat-trick is reward for the dark times when he was snubbed by the Cowboys and feared he’ never play NRL.

Maroons coach Kevin Walters declared Holmes has a long-term future on the left wing after his remarkable treble helped inspire Queensland’s 22-6 win in the Origin decider.

In the process, Holmes entered an elite club. He became just the fifth Queenslander in Origin’s 37-year history to score three tries in a game, joining Kerry Boustead (1984), Lote Tuqiri (2002), Matt Sing (2003) and Dane Gagai (2016).

But for all his finishing class, Holmes’ journey to State of Origin has been turbulent.

Just five years ago, at age 17, he was unwanted by the Cowboys in hometown Townsville.

“To be able to score in this arena so many times already is awesome,” said Holmes, who has four tries in two games.