- Valentine Holmes has opened up about the ‘his white bag’ scandal
- The footy star feared for his future after the incident
- He has vowed to repay Billy Slater’s faith in him
Valentine Holmes has vowed to repay the faith Queensland coach Billy Slater instilled in him after he feared for his Origin future following the white bag scandal.
The North Queensland star will play for the Maroons next Wednesday night for the first time since his storm off the field, when he briefly posted a photo on Instagram last September of himself holding a white bag between his teeth.
Holmes claimed the video was a failed prank, but the Cowboys and NRL integrity unit came down hard on the winger.
He was fined $100,000, with $50,000 suspended, and also received a one-match suspension.
Holmes stood before the North Queensland board to explain his actions and also underwent an education program.
Valentine Holmes has shared his biggest fear after the white bag scandal
Holmes thought his Origin career was over after he posted this photo on Instagram
The Maroons flyer will play his 17th Origin match next week and said the ordeal has been a huge learning curve.
“It was a difficult time for me,” Holmes said, recalling his moment of madness,” he said.
“Last year as a whole was just not up to standard for myself and the Cowboys and I finished things off poorly.
‘I got the nod to represent my country again from Mal (coach of Meninga, Australia) after everything that happened.
‘That brought some joy and happiness back into my life.
‘I got to play my 20th Test for Australia but it was a real rollercoaster and not something I want to experience again.
‘I feel like everyone makes mistakes and all I could do was learn from them and try to become a better person.
‘Hopefully other players can learn from that mistake too.’
Holmes thanked Slater for his support during the turbulent period last spring.
“A number of people helped me through that period,” he said.
“My family was there and the Cowboys handled it well.
“Mal Meninga was huge. I only heard his voice when he called and spoke to me and said he still wants me involved in the Australian team.
The winger says he will repay Billy Slater’s faith in him ahead of this season’s series
‘I didn’t know how long I would be banned for and I missed the first Test, but his belief in me has really boosted my confidence.
“I’m certainly grateful that Billy stood by me.
“Being part of this Queensland team is something I don’t take for granted.
“It’s an honor to wear this jersey and to be in this camp, it’s always a tough team to get into.
“They have pretty good depth on the outside. For Billy to show confidence in me and give me that Queensland jersey again for the first game is unreal and now it’s time to give back to him and the Maroons team.”