Our Club, in collaboration with the NRL Integrity Unit, has today completed its investigation into an incident which occurred in Brisbane on the weekend concerning our player Valentine Holmes.



At the time of the incident, Holmes was in Brisbane taking part in an Emerging Queensland Origin camp.



Following advice from the player and the provision of infringement notices issued to him in relation to obstructing police and public nuisance, resulting in on the spot fines totalling $1412, an immediate investigation was undertaken by the Club involving all relevant stakeholders.



As a result of this investigation the Club has made the decision to stand Holmes down from the Sharks Auckland Nines squad, in addition to the player’s 12-month ban from representing Queensland at Origin level and the potential associated financial costs that go with that ban as handed down by the Queensland Rugby League.



As a part of his undertakings, Valentine will commit to an ongoing program with our Club’s Welfare and Education team to better understand the importance of his obligations and responsibilities as an NRL player.



Sharks CEO, Lyall Gorman said; “Our Club has a zero tolerance to matters such as this and is extremely disappointed with the outcomes that occurred on the weekend. I am satisfied with the contrition shown by the player and his understanding that he has let down, not just himself, but so many people including the game overall.



“Following the internal discussions that have been held with Valentine I am comfortable with not only his genuine remorse, but also his absolute commitment that this incident will be a one off event in what up until now has been an unblemished and exemplary career on and off the field.



“I am equally comfortable that following his banning from State of Origin for 2016 and the potential financial imposts that come with that ban in addition to missing the Auckland Nines and other internal undertakings the player has made, that an appropriate sanction has been applied.”



In apologising for his actions, Holmes said;



“I’d like to start by saying sorry to the Queensland staff, the players involved in the Origin camp and my Sharks teammates for my actions over the weekend.



“I’d also like to apologise to my Coach, my Club, our Members and our fans for putting them in a bad light.



“This is my first indiscretion of any sort and while I know it is totally unacceptable, I also know it certainly won’t happen again.



“Once again I’m sorry and I’ll be making sure I only give the fans and media good things to write and talk about in the future.”