Cronulla’s representative star Valentine Holmes might be in career-best form at fullback but Sharks coach Shane Flanagan has refused confirming Holmes will be his custodian when Josh Dugan returns from injury next week.

Flanagan admitted Dugan may have made his return this round if they weren’t playing on a Thursday night.

“He (Holmes) played well in Origin and he came out of it with that confidence, a bit of a spring in his step,” Flanagan said.

“The thing I’ve seen in Val is he’s been given the opportunity because of Duge’s injury and he’s done a really good job.

“He’s really matured in that role. We’ve all been hoping that he took those steps.”

Dugan will make his return next Sunday against Manly after two months on the sideline.

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