A Queensland State of Origin representative utility back, he played his in the Brisbane Rugby League for the Eastern Suburbs (winning the 1977 and 1978 grand finals with them) and Brothers clubs.
He played for the first grade side that won the 1977 Brisbane Rugby League Grand Final, kicking four goals.
[5] Holben was selected for Queensland as a reserve in Game II of the 1982 State of Origin series.
[6] Holben took up coaching after retiring from the playing field and later became the Chairman of Selectors at the Eastern Suburbs Tigers, a position he held for several years.
The Easts Tigers club celebrated its 75th birthday reunion by naming an all-star 25 at an "outstanding" dinner in 2008, which included Holben.