Holmes: Dragons a springboard to Origin redemption

St George Illawarra centre Valentine Holmes has declared his desire to play his way back into a Maroons jumper in the final two games before the Queensland team is selected. 

Holmes has been one of the Dragons best since his move south at the beginning of the season and has produced a string of consistent performances amid a mixed start to the year for the team. 

The centre has been a mainstay in the Queensland backline since his debut in 2017, playing in 19 State of Origin matches, including 14-straight appearances, and shapes as a likely selection in Billy Slater's side for the series opener at Suncorp Stadium later this month. 

Having tasted the pain of defeat in a decider on home soil last year, Holmes is desperate for a shot at redemption this season.

"I haven't lost too many games at Suncorp Stadium, especially a decider so that was very disappointing," Holmes said. "It was a great game of footy, very physical and great football but we didn't get the win in the end. 

"It would have been a nice threepeat but the thing about footy is you get to play the next year and [have another chance]. It's always a good time of the year, it's obviously better if you're winning games and playing well but hopefully we can string the next two games together and find some good form."

Holmes has lined up in the centres for most of his Origin appearances but shifted to the wing for last year's decider. 

The contenders for the Maroons outside backs positions include Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Selwyn Cobbo, Murray Taulagi, Dane Gagai and Xavier Coates, with in-form Raiders winger Xavier Savage a potential bolter.

Holmes' next chance to press his claims for selection comes when the Dragons host the Warriors in Saturday's Women in League Round clash at WIN Stadium. 

The centre will line up alongside Corey Allan for the second-straight week, while the visitors will roll out a rejigged backline. 

Dallin Watene-Zeleniak has been named on the wing for his first match since fracturing his wrist in the Pre-Season Challenge, while Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has been listed in the reserves and is a chance of returning from a hamstring injury. 

Rocco Berry and Ed Kosi have been ruled out, with Adam Pompey and Kurt Capewell selected in the centres. 

Holmes has settled into his new home at the Dragons and while he's been pleased with his own performances, he won't be happy until the side is winning games consistently.

"It's hard to talk about yourself when we're not getting the team results of a win," he said. "When you have someone like [Clint Gutherson] setting you up and putting you away, it's always pleasing. 

"I was in the same situation last year, we weren't winning too many games but I'm still playing all right and then we'd get a few good wins. 

"Flanno brought me here to be more of a leader for our backs and to bring my skill set to the left edge. They lost [Zac] Lomax, they lost [Jack] Bird and Max Feagai so he was pretty honest and just said 'go out there and do you. You don't need to be anyone else but yourself and defend well'."

Saturday's match will provide Holmes with the chance to build his combination with Allan after the winger made his club debut in last week's loss to the Wests Tigers.