Cowboys to host No.7 shootout, surprise contenders to replace Holmes

A three-way shootout for North Queensland’s No.7 jersey and finding a replacement for Valentine Holmes at left centre shape as the storylines of the summer for the Cowboys.

North Queensland Cowboys player Valentine Holmes. Picture: Shae Beplate.

A three-way shootout for North Queensland’s No.7 jersey and finding a replacement for Valentine Holmes at left centre shape as the storylines of the summer for the Cowboys.

North Queensland’s veteran players – those with four or more pre-seasons under their belts - returned to Wally Tallis Way this week with major questions to answer about some of the most important positions on the pitch.

Kangaroos and Queensland State of Origin star Holmes has departed for the Dragons, with Tom Chester, Zac Laybutt, Jaxson Paulo, Jaxson Purdue, Murray Taulagi, Semi Valemei and Braidon Burns set to battle for the chance to replace him on North Queensland’s left edge.

Veteran fullback Scott Drinkwater said the team had faith that the club’s youth brigade could replace North Queensland’s back-to-back leading pointscorer.

“Obviously it’s a big loss, there’s no question about that,” Drinkwater said of Holmes.

“He is an International and State of Origin representative so it’s a big loss but obviously the coaches have put faith into our young guys. We’ve got a lot of guys who are up for the challenge and are all very competitive.

“Laybutt started the season and had a really good start. ‘Jacko’ (Purdue) played a few games there. We all know how Chester plays the game, using his body full-throttle, so they’ve all got their own skillset but for me, my preference is just around guys who are willing to compete.

“I think ‘Muzz’ (Taulagi) has got a lot of experience out there. I’m sure if the coaches want him to play centre and give him an opportunity there, and (if) he wants to, I’m sure he could be pretty brilliant there.”

Purdue is also being considered in a three-way shootout at halfback, with head coach Todd Payten telling Triple M this week the 19-year-old was yet to hit the ceiling of his talent.

“Jaxon grew up playing in the halves. He played fullback for us in that trial (against Brisbane in Mackay last season); his first game at centre was at NRL level. That indicates the amount of talent he’s got,” Payten said.

“The challenge for Jaxon is how comfortable he’s going to feel immediately telling the more experienced players where to go and what to do.

“That same challenge lies ahead for Tom Duffy as well. (He is) the type of player who is probably more of a game manager and a very good communicator. Another feather in his cap is he is an elite goalkicker.

“I’ve told those guys the three things you need to get right to earn that spot for Round 1 is talk well, tackle well and kick well. You can build your game off that.”

Purdue, Duffy and incumbent No.7 Jake Clifford will be tested on their strengths as individuals and how well they integrate those skills into the wider team.

Following last season’s efforts that took the Cowboys to the second week of finals, Drinkwater said whoever won the halfback race needed to lead a consistent fight on the field.

“(It should go to) whoever is willing to go out and compete for 80 minutes,” Drinkwater said.

“I feel like we lost that a bit last year during games, and rolled over sometimes. That’s the main thing that we’re driving home and people are willing to compete,” he said.

“A lot of it is how you can play footy… all three guys have great games in them, all different, but I think what Todd (Payten) will be looking at is who is the best defender. I guess those three guys will be having a lot of fun in the wrestle room.”

Originally published as Cowboys to host No.7 shootout, surprise contenders to replace Holmes