EXCLUSIVE: Valentine Holmes Opens Up About His Struggles in the Spotlight and the Difficult Conversations That Followed

Dragons star Valentine Holmes has candidly discussed the “negative publicity” he’s been subjected to and the “difficult conversations” that ensued with his wife.

Throughout his career, which has seen remarkable successes at both club and representative levels, Holmes has also faced his fair share of challenges as a professional athlete.

In 2016, the talented centre was penalised for public nuisance and obstructing Queensland Police during a training camp with the Emerging Maroons squad, resulting in his exclusion from Cronulla’s lineup for that year’s Auckland Nines tournament.

Holmes bounced back in the same year, helping the Sharks secure a premiership, and subsequently enjoyed a meteoric rise that included State of Origin and World Cup victories, along with a brief attempt to pursue his NFL aspirations with the New York Jets.

Returning to the Cowboys on a long-term contract allowed Holmes to rediscover his form and establish himself as one of the standout outside backs in the league, but his journey has not been without its setbacks.

Following the 2023 season, Holmes faced scrutiny after a photo surfaced on social media showing him with a bag containing white powder. This incident led to a one-match suspension from the NRL and additional club sanctions that cost him $50,000.

Reflecting on these challenging experiences, Holmes acknowledged that he might have “fallen into a trap” without the unwavering support of his family and wife, Natalia.

“They all understood this wasn’t behaviour typical of me,” he told Nine’s Marlee and Me.

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“I’ve experienced being in negative publicity, and they recognised that it wasn’t my true character. There are always temptations that may lead to behaviours we regret,” he explained.

“To overcome these challenges, having a strong foundation in my family and partner has been essential. If I had been single during this period without the support of loved ones, who knows what could have occurred.”

“I might have stumbled into a trap or even considered throwing in the towel.”

Holmes elaborated on his discussions with his partner, noting how his new outlook has been shaped by parenthood.

“She had to approach me directly,” he admitted.

“I’m not a fan of confrontation or difficult discussions, but she embraces those moments. It was painful for her too; those conversations were tough but necessary for my growth.

“With many young fans, especially those aspiring players in the NRL, I feel a responsibility to set a good example. Now that I’m a parent, I want to be a positive role model for my boys.”

The 29-year-old, who has signed with St George Illawarra for the next three years, is poised to play a crucial role in Shane Flanagan’s efforts to return the club to finals contention.

While his performance on the field will undoubtedly uplift the joint venture, Holmes also acknowledges his responsibility to mentor the next generation of Dragons players.

“As much as I’d like to advise against making foolish mistakes, we are all human,” he stated.

“Mistakes will happen, so it’s important to take responsibility and surround yourself with a good support system. Engage in those challenging conversations with your family; they might be tough, but they’re crucial for personal growth.

“It took me a while to fully understand the level of scrutiny that comes with being in the spotlight. Many eyes are on you, and that’s part of the agreement when you enter this profession—both the good and the bad are included.

“Many people endure hardships that they would prefer to forget, but those experiences shape who you become.

“Going through those challenges is what makes you more human. We all err; nobody is perfect, and I’m certainly not—I’ve made plenty of mistakes while also achieving many good things too.”

Marlee Silva’s extensive interview with Valentine Holmes will air this Sunday.