Valentine Holmes
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 1995 (age 31)·Australia international rugby league footballer·Birthday: July 24·Millennials
Biography
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.
Millennials
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.
#1 When Valentine Was Born
The biggest hits of 1995
#1 Movie
Toy Story
Best Picture
Braveheart
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Valentine's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1995Born
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2000Started school
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2008Became a teenager
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2011Could drive
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2013Could vote
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2016Turned 21
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2025Turned 30
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 31 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Scored 22 tries in the 2018 NRL season, the highest tally that year.
- Won the 2016 NRL Premiership with the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks.
- Represented Australia in rugby league and played in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.
- Kicked a record 34 points for Australia in a single test match against Fiji in 2019.
Did You Know?
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.”
