Valentine Holmes reveals his biggest fear after ‘white bag’ scandal as footy star makes huge vow after being given a second chance

Valentine Holmes has promised to repay the faith instilled in him by Queensland coach Billy Slater after fearing 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 off-field storm, when he briefly posted an image on Instagram last September of himself holding a white bag between his teeth. 

Holmes claimed the video was a prank gone wrong but the Cowboys and NRL integrity unit came down hard on the winger.

He was hit with a $100,000 fine, $50,000 of which was suspended, and also copped a one-match ban.

Holmes fronted the North Queensland board to explain his actions and he also underwent an education program. 

Holmes thought his Origin career was over after he posted this photo on Instagram

The Maroons flyer is set to play his 17th Origin match next week and said the ordeal was a huge learning curve. 

‘It was a tough time for me,’ Holmes said as he recalled his moment of madness,’ he said.

‘Last year as a whole just wasn’t up to standard for myself and the Cowboys and I ended things poorly.

‘I got the nod to represent my country again from Mal (Meninga, Australia coach) after everything that happened.

‘That brought some joy and happiness back into my life again.

‘I got to play my 20th Test for Australia, but it was a real rollercoaster and not something I want to go through again.

‘I feel like everyone makes mistakes and all I could do was learn from it and try to be a better person.

‘Hopefully, other players can learn from that mistake too.’

Holmes credited Slater for his support during the turbulent spell last spring. 

‘A bunch of people helped me through that period,’ he said.

‘My family were there and the Cowboys handled it well.

‘Mal Meninga was huge. Just hearing his voice when he called and talked to me, saying that he still wants me involved with 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 was going to be suspended for and I missed the first Test, but his belief in me really helped my confidence.

‘I’m definitely grateful that Billy stood by me.

‘Being in this Queensland team is something I don’t take for granted.

‘It’s an honour to wear this jersey and being in this camp, it’s always a tough team to get into.

‘They have pretty good depth in the outside backs. For Billy to show faith in me and to give me that Queensland jersey again for the first game, it’s unreal and it’s my time to give back to him and the Maroons team now.’