In last year’s Shute Shield Grand Final at Leichhardt Oval, Warringah overcame Easts 37-24 to lift the Shield, sealing victory with a late runaway try by No.8 Chlayton Frans.
“As a coach you have the belief in the players for so much and you know what they’re capable of doing. I had this massive belief we could win,” Holmes recalled when we spoke to him. “To see them go out there and just play and not be scared. To sit back and watch that was a really proud moment.”
Holmes said the Rats’ achievement was particularly fulfilling as a coach given the time invested and stress involved. In 2017, with Holmes at No.9, Warringah defeated Norths in the Grand Final. Ecstatic Rats fans poured onto North Sydney Oval at fulltime.
“To win the Grand Final was a really special moment and one I’ll never forget. It was a bit of a relief – I’ve done it, I’ve finally got my Premiership, this is awesome,” Holmes said. Many in the team, including brother Luke, had been at the club a long time and “bled green and white”.
Holmes is focused on the defending Premiers having another big season in 2026. Results have been impressive so far highlighted by an extra sweet victory over the Manly Marlins on Anzac Day.
“As a club, the success of First Grade last year has really energised the club,” Holmes explained.
“The boys definitely aren’t training like they’ve won a competition. They’re all ripping in and they’re all wanting to be better. I think there is a whole bunch of boys who want to go to the next level, and they know that team success will bring individual success.”
Playmaker Coby Miln has moved on to North Harbour in New Zealand and Byron Smith has joined the club. “He plays a way different sort of game to Coby which is good and is exciting and will change us as a team as well,” Holmes said.
Inspirational fullback Ben Marr is again captaining the Rats and Holmes rates No.9 Ben Fuhuniu as super impressive.
“Definitely we want to move the ball around, we want to play attacking footy, but we do put a big emphasis on our defence as well. We’ve got so much talent at this club, we want them to back themselves,” Holmes said.
Showcasing the club’s strength, the men’s and women’s (Ratettes) teams took on Bond University in the Australian Club Championship at Rat Park in March – the men emerging victorious.
Holmes views club rugby as increasingly professional and a springboard to Super Rugby. “People are now seeing the Shute Shield as a place to land and get exposure. I definitely think it’s attracting a lot more players and quality players as well,” he said.
After a successful playing career Holmes put away his boots in 2020 before coaching Warringah Colts to a Premiership in 2023 and stepping up to Grade in 2024. He said he is still learning as a coach with aspirations to go further and be tested at a higher level. As Head Coach he has to have honest, sometimes difficult, conversations with players.
Are you a good communicator Josh? “My wife would say I’m not the best communicator, but I think I’m a pretty good communicator down here.”
Follow @warringahrats on socials for all updates and get to Rat Park Saturday 20 June for the Anzac Day local derby rematch, Rats v Marlins.