Mature Holmes a winner
VALENTINE Holmes has matured to the point where he can now lead Cronulla’s premiership assault from the back, according to Sharks coach Shane Flanagan.
Flanagan confirmed this week that Townsville- born Holmes would retain Cronulla’s No. 1 jersey when Josh Dugan returns from a leg injury in the centres shortly.
But with the Sharks poised to fly from under the radar and make a serious bid for a topfour spot over the final rounds, Flanagan has seen a change in Holmes since he first moved him from fullback to wing to accommodate Dugan at the start of the season.
“He’s come out the other end playing really well at the moment,” Flanagan said. “He’s playing better now and the maturity that’s come with Val has been the biggest improvement.
“Not his football, just understanding what he has to do to be a fullback in the NRL. The penny has dropped.”
Dugan is due back as soon as next week against Brisbane, although Flanagan may opt to hold him a further 10 days to face Manly on August 5.
Ahead of tonight’s home clash with Canberra the Sharks have won nine of their past 11 and have just two games of their remaining games against top- eight sides with a number of stars returning fresh from injuries.
“The club and team believe we’re a top four team but there’s no use believing that if you can’t put it into action,” Flanagan said.