Gators’ flair helps bring Holmes back
SITTING back watching his junior club turn on the flair factor was enough to spring representative prop Alex Holmes out of a rugby hiatus.
After skipping the 2017 season, Holmes will return to Gold Coast District Rugby Union for Palm Beach Currumbin, who are set for a resurgence under the coaching of ex-Queensland lock Van Humphries.
The Alleygators were a dominant force a few years back, winning the 2011 and 2012 premierships – plus finishing runners-up the following season – but have found the going tougher recently.
Even still, Holmes was motivated by the brand of rugby he witnessed in sporadic appearances as a spectator.
“They had a pretty young team and it was really exciting to watch,” Holmes said.
“I thought they were probably only missing a few key players and it was probably time to go back and have a run.”
Following his junior days at the Alleygators, Holmes has played Queensland Premier Rugby at Bond University, spent time abroad lining up for French club Narbonne and represented the North Harbour Rays (now Sydney Rays) in the National Rugby Championship.
Holmes believes Humphries’ presence will strengthen PBC’s set piece, having typically been a flashy outfit.
“Just having someone of that experience and someone that is so forward-orientated, the forwards have really thrived off that. The Gators have predominantly been coached by backs,” he said.
“We are really looking to shore up our scrum this season … I think we’ll have probably one of the best scrums.”
Holmes, though, said there will always be an element of “Fijian flair” in the club.
The Alleygators take on Gold Coast Eagles at James Overell Park in Round 1 action this Saturday.
I THOUGHT THEY WERE PROBABLY ONLY MISSING A FEW KEY PLAYERS AND IT WAS PROBABLY TIME TO GO BACK AND HAVE A RUN