Holmes' contract cancelled 'over my dead body', says Sharks coach Flanagan

Cronulla Sharks head coach Shane Flanagan has dismissed suggestions that he will allow Valentine Holmes to end his contract a year early.

The rumour has emerged amid interest in the winger from North Queensland Cowboys, who are based in Holmes' home state.

When questioned about the possibility, however, Flanagan would not be moved.

"Over my dead body,'' he declared. "There's no way in the world I'll be letting him go before the end of his deal.

"He will definitely be here next year and hopefully a lot longer. We're in the process of trying to extend him."

The 22-year-old Holmes has spent his entire NRL career with the Sharks, signing for them in 2013 as a junior.

In 15 appearances this season he has crossed the try line 12 times, continuing the sparkling form that saw him called into the national setup.

Holmes was the top try scorer in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, which Australia won on home soil.