

A dynamic try-scoring machine, he switched codes to chase an NFL dream before returning to become a State of Origin mainstay for Queensland.
Born on the Central Coast of New South Wales, Valentine Holmes exploded onto the rugby league scene with a blend of raw speed and an uncanny knack for finding the try line. His early career with the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks culminated in a pivotal role in their 2016 NRL premiership victory, a drought-breaking win for the club. In a bold move that captured headlines, Holmes left the NRL in 2019 to attempt a career in the NFL as a kick returner, spending a season with the New York Jets' practice squad. His return to Australian rugby league was triumphant, immediately reclaiming his spot as a key weapon for the Queensland Maroons and the North Queensland Cowboys, later moving to the St. George Illawarra Dragons. Holmes's journey, marked by high-stakes gambles and prolific scoring, underscores a modern athlete's willingness to test his limits on the world's biggest stages.
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Valentine was born in 1995, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
The biggest hits of 1995
#1 Movie
Toy Story
Best Picture
Braveheart
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
The world at every milestone
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
AI agents go mainstream
He is of Indigenous Australian (Mualgal people) and Filipino descent.
His attempt to make the NFL included training as a placekicker and return specialist.
He once scored six tries in a single game for the Cronulla Sharks in 2018.
“You can't overthink it; see the gap, back your speed, and go.”