"I chose (the Kiwis). I had to call him back and tell him I made my mind up. He was fine. He wasn't that happy but he said good luck in the future and to take care."
Despite Kearney reaching out, it was a frank conversation with his family which swayed Holmes back to the Kangaroos. He also lent on Cronulla skipper Paul Gallen for advice.
"I was going to choose the Kiwis because I got named in the main squad and I was in the Junior Kangaroos," Holmes said.
"I was trying to look at my options and look at the bigger picture. I had another talk with my dad and he said 'where have you been playing your whole life?' And I said 'Queensland'. 'And where were you born'? He asked. I said 'Queensland'. He said it was up to me but I knew straight away he wanted me to play for Queensland.
"Gal (Gallen) said to do whatever was right in your heart and don't listen to anyone else. People will try and make you go to New Zealand or Australia but just do what is right."
Holmes and prop Shannon Boyd are set to make their debut with Josh Mansour and Aaron Woods missing for their respective weddings. Justin O'Neill is on standby to replace Greg Inglis, who is waiting for wife Sally to give birth to their second child. O'Neill is also a wing option for coach Mal Meninga, ahead of Holmes.
Back-rower Tyson Frizell also looks to be included on an extended bench, for an Australia side which will travel to Perth today after attending the Kangaroos reunion.
"I'd love to play but I don't expect to play," Holmes said.
"There are some unreal wingers and they beat the Kiwis in the last game.
"If I do get named it will be awesome. I'm just trying to soak it all up. It's finally sunk in that I've won the premiership. Now I'm here, it's finally hit me. I'm emotional."
Likely Australia squad for Perth Test
Darius Boyd, Valentine Holmes, Josh Dugan, Greg Inglis/Justin O'Neill, Blake Ferguson, Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk, Matt Scott, Cameron Smith, Shannon Boyd, Boyd Cordner, Matt Gillett, Trent Merrin.
Interchange (from): David Klemmer, Sam Thaiday, Michael Morgan, Josh Papalii, Tyson Frizell.