NFL STINT PRIMED HOLMES TO BE TEAM’S HERO
VALENTINE Holmes says his failed NFL stint has had a silver lining, revealing it instilled the ruthless professionalism that underpinned his golden-point heroics to ignite the Cowboys’ premiership assault.
Holmes produced one of the finest moments of his career on Saturday night, landing a booming 45m field goal to break the hearts of his former Cronulla club in a 32-30 heart-stopper at Shark Park.
It was the ultimate moment of redemption for Holmes, who has copped criticism for his patchy form at the Cowboys since his return to the NRL following his ambitious 12month stint in America in 2019 trying to crack the NFL.
While Holmes failed to win an NFL contract, the Queensland Origin ace insists he has no regrets, claiming his year-long tenure rubbing shoulders with America’s finest athletes helped steel him to step-up as a matchwinner in the Sharks qualifying final.
“It was unreal, I’m lost for words,” Holmes said in the Cowboys’ sheds as he savoured his golden-point glory.
“I don’t regret going to America. It was definitely an experience worth doing and the lessons of that experience have stayed with me.
“I got a good insight into professionalism; what it takes to be the best in your sport.
“Before I went to America, I was a kid at the Sharks. I was 21 when I won the comp (in the 2016 NRL season).
“I would usually muck around during the week at training and then come game time I would switch on, but going to the US, I appreciated how serious they were preparing for games.
“It didn’t matter if you were a rookie or a 10-year veteran.
“There was no mucking around. Everyone prepared as if every game was their last game and it can be in the NFL if you have a bad season because it’s so cut throat.
“I’ve brought that attitude back to the Cowboys.
“Mentally I am better at preparing my mind and body for games.”