Valentine’s day is close to fruition

NRL star Valentine Holmes plans to be a more vocal presence for the Sharks at fullback, a position he ultimately aspires to fill for Queensland and Australia.

Holmes had a record run in the Kangaroos’ victorious World Cup campaign last year, scoring five tries against Samoa and six against Fiji from the wing, while Billy Slater lined up at fullback.

While he played virtually all last NRL season for Cronulla at No.1, most of Holmes’ representative games for Queensland and Australia have been on the wing.

Highly credentialed Sharks recruits Josh Dugan and Matt Moylan can also play fullback but Holmes, 22, is tipped to get first crack there this season.

“It’s definitely a position I’ve always strived to play. My idols were always fullbacks,” he said.

“It’s definitely a good position I’d like to see myself playing in the future.”

Asked about aspirations to play there for the Maroons and Kangaroos, Holmes said: “Definitely one day. I’ve still got a lot to learn and experience to get under my belt.”

Despite his relative youth, Holmes is ready to assert himself in the Sharks’ No.1.