The St George Illawarra Dragons have put fans' fears to rest regarding the fitness of their star player, Valentine Holmes, ahead of the NRL season opener. But is it a case of too much too soon?
A social media video sparked concern as it seemed to show Holmes suffering from a hamstring injury during his trip to Las Vegas. The clip, which was actually from a club post weeks prior, caused fans to worry about his availability for the upcoming season. However, the Dragons have confirmed that Holmes is fully recovered and will be ready for the Round 1 clash against the Canterbury Bulldogs in Las Vegas.
The club's statement reads, "Holmes has made a full recovery from the hamstring issue he sustained in early January." They further emphasized that Holmes was fit to play in the pre-season game but was rested as a precautionary measure.
This news is a huge relief for Dragons supporters, especially after a disappointing 2025 season plagued by injuries. The team is eager to improve their performance and climb up the table. Holmes, a seasoned player, is expected to be a key figure in their plans, alongside fellow centre Moses Suli. The wingers, however, remain a point of contention, with several players vying for starting positions.
And here's where it gets interesting: New signings David Fale and Setu Tu are challenging established players Christian Tuipulotu and Tyrell Sloan for the wing spots. This competition for places could be a double-edged sword, providing depth but also creating selection headaches.
Elsewhere, Jacob Liddle and Dylan Egan are on the mend from their respective hamstring and ACL injuries, with Egan targeting a return between Rounds 8 and 10. Former rugby union player Nathan Lawson is also on the road to recovery from a foot injury and is expected to be fit by Round 4.
With the season opener just around the corner, the Dragons are gearing up for an exciting campaign. But the question remains: Will Holmes and his teammates be able to rise to the challenge and turn their fortunes around? Only time will tell, and the Las Vegas showdown against the Bulldogs will be a true test of their mettle.
