Role models in Boyd, Slater
Boyd and Slater are the two fullbacks he tries to model his game on most and he could well line up beside them as part of Queensland’s back three at Brisbane on May 31.
“I was talking to Darius in ( Kangaroos) camp and I look up to him, I think he’s the best fullback in the comp at the moment,” Holmes ( right) said.
“Defensively he’s the best and offensively everyone sees how good he is throwing those long balls to his wingers.
“I like to base my fullback role around him, hopefully one day I can be as good as him.
“I also like to watch Slater, I don’t really talk to anyone about it but usually for footage it’s Darius or Billy.”
Holmes is best known for his electric speed and ability to sniff out a try, but it’s organising more experienced teammates in defence which has been the toughest adjustment at fullback. “It’s more the defence side I’m still learning and I feel like I’m getting there,” Holmes said.
“Organising the defensive line can be very stressful, especially when you get the numbers wrong. That all comes back to you but I enjoy it, it’s a different challenge and I enjoy challenges.”
Holmes said the cocaine sagas which have hit the club after the Test match haven’t distracted the Sharks from their quest to become the first team to go back- to- back in a unified competition since Brisbane in 1992- 93.
“It has been pretty tough but it hasn’t really affected the boys, no one’s been sidetracked by it,” Holmes said.
“Our coach said it has nothing to do with us ( players) so that’s why we’ve been able to stay focused on the game.”
The Cowboys and Sharks have developed a rivalry in recent years after clashing in finals three of the last four years.
The pain of last year’s 32- 20 preliminary final defeat would still be in the back of the Cowboys players’ minds.
“Because I’m from Townsville I love going up against them and I have a few mates in the team too,” Holmes said.
“There is a bit of a rivalry, we always seem to play them in finals. We find them similar to us, they’ve got a big forward pack and classy outside backs as well.”