The Kangaroos will be without another superstar outside back for next year\u2019s rugby league World Cup after Valentine Holmes confirmed that he would represent the Cook Islands at the 2026 showpiece event.<\/p>\n
Holmes won two World Cups with Australia and famously scored six tries against Fiji in the semi-finals back in 2017.<\/p>\n
But the 30-year-old has pledged his allegiance to the Cook Islands after they qualified for the World Cup with a dominant win over South Africa earlier this month. <\/p>\n
Watch The Ashes 2025\/26 LIVE and ad-break free during play with FOX CRICKET on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.<\/a><\/p>\n WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.<\/p>\n Holmes wasn\u2019t able to play in that match due to the shoulder injury that ended his season at the Dragons, but he was able to be around the group as part of Karmichael Hunt\u2019s coaching staff.<\/p>\n \u201cI made that decision (to play for the Cook Islands) a while ago, so it\u2019s time to give back to my mum\u2019s island,\u201d he told the NewsWire.<\/p>\n \u201cEveryone in my family was proud to see me back there training with them, so it wasn\u2019t a big decision for me.<\/p>\n \u201cI was with the Cook Islands and joined them in camp, but I couldn\u2019t make it to that game because I had other commitments.<\/p>\n \u201cIt makes me feel old saying that I was in the coaching staff, but it was more that I was helping in case they needed me with anything to support the outside backs.\u201d<\/p>\n Holmes led the way with 12 tries at the 2017 World Cup and would\u2019ve been in the mix to play for Australia again at next year\u2019s event.<\/p>\n Instead, he joins the likes of Payne Haas and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, who will represent Samoa next year, with all eyes on Tino Fa\u2019asuamaleaui to see if he follows suit.<\/p>\n Holmes is proud to get the chance to represent the Cook Islands. Picture: InstagramSource: Instagram<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m very grateful that I got to represent Australia because I was born and raised here,\u201d Holmes said.<\/p>\n \u201cPlaying for Australia and Queensland were two of my biggest goals growing up, so it was awesome to do that.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m very lucky that I\u2019ve been able to have the career that I\u2019ve had so far, so if I\u2019m grateful enough to get the chance to play for another smaller nation like the Cook Islands, why not do it and make my mum proud.\u201d<\/p>\n The Cook Islands have several NRL stars locked in for the event, with Sharks centre KL Iro looming as their strike weapon.<\/p>\n But they\u2019ll need everyone they can get their hands on with matches against Fiji, New Zealand and Australia coming up next October. <\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s a lot of Cook Island talent around, but there\u2019s a bit of an obstacle with getting the all clear for some people to play because it can be hard for people in the NRL to find their grandmother\u2019s birth certificate,\u201d Holmes said.<\/p>\n \u201cIt would be great if we can get a really strong team together because I thought they were great in that win over South Africa to qualify for the World Cup.\u201d<\/p>\n Holmes is nearing full fitness after a shoulder injury ended his 2025 season. Picture: Cameron Spencer\/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n MORE NRL NEWS<\/p>\n NOV 1 LIVE: Star speaks as Tigers standoff rages; four-man Xmas hit list revealed <\/a><\/p>\n STATE OF PLAY: Star Gold Coast could chase as huge issue emerges for new coach <\/a><\/p>\n