Cook Islands are assembling a side to be reckoned with for the Rugby League World Cup and the addition of Australia and Queensland star Valentine Holmes will further their cause.
The 30-year-old will honour the heritage of his mother Lucy Holmes and make himself available for the Aitu at this year's tournament, to be hosted by Australia and Papua New Guinea.
Holmes is yet to play for the Cook Islands. He had a rotator cuff injury at the end of last year and missed the Pacific Championships and World Cup qualifying 58-6 win over South Africa that secured the 10th and final spot for the Aitu at the global tournament.
While Holmes did not play in those games, on the invitation of coach Karmichael Hunt he joined the squad ahead of the South Africa clash in a mentoring and coaching role.
