Talei Holmes, a backrower for the Sharks, is gearing up for the NRLW season, which commences on Thursday night. As a pivotal player for Cronulla in their opening match against the Eels, Holmes, who has represented Fiji at the Test level and captained the team last year, aspires for further representative opportunities.
“My heritage includes a proud Fijian background from my grandmother, making it truly special to captain Fiji,” Holmes shared with Wide World of Sports. However, she is also keen on playing for New Zealand, her mother’s homeland, and aims to compete for New South Wales in the State of Origin if she earns her place. “It all depends on how things unfold,” she remarked.
Holmes, 25, began her NRLW journey with the Dragons in 2020, where she spent three seasons before transferring to the Sharks, where she’s now entering her third season. Her passion for rugby league stems from the camaraderie developed along the way. “The friendships I’ve forged through this game mean the world to me,” said Holmes, who balances her sporting career with work as a disability support worker.
Reflecting on last season, she expressed disappointment at missing out on the grand final after falling to the Roosters but acknowledged the exhilaration surrounding the new season. “We had a strong run last season, and despite the setback, it’s an exciting time for the women’s game,” she concluded.
Holmes is not just looking forward to the upcoming matches but is also hopeful about embracing more significant roles in representative football, highlighting her commitment and passion for the sport as she embarks on this new chapter.