Are the Cowboys heading toward a youth movement with Holmes’ looming exit?

The North Queensland Cowboys have reported told star outside back Valentine Holmes he is free to look elsewhere for the 2025 NRL season, with the club looking to get his $850k contract off the books.

Holmes at times has struggled for consistent form since his return to the NRL and has subsequently been shuffled down the pecking order amid a handful of bright stars emerging in North Queensland.

With the Cowboys struggling to keep the crop of budding stars and already losing the likes of Tom Gilbert and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Holmes’ big-money contract looked to obstruct coach Todd Payten’s long-term plans.

Several reports have stated the Dragons would be interested in Holmes for next season but SEN’s Corey Parker believes the Cowboys would have to chip in to get his deal off the books.

“You would think if he was to go to the Dragons, they’re obviously not going to pay around that million dollar fee, they may pay around $600k,” Parker said on SENQ Breakfast.

“Then the Cowboys would tip in the extra $400k and say save $600k.

“They’ve got some really young superstars coming through, when you’ve got the likes of Heilum Luki and Griffin Neame, these sort of players that needed elevated deals.

“They’ve got Jaxson Purdue, (Zac) Laybutt… they can see the future is bright and rosy.”

Parker also looked at the other veteran on big money for the Cowboys, Jason Taumalolo and questioned his future with the side.

“The other big talking point is Jason Taumalolo, who’s still on a million dollars for another three seasons,” he said

“I can’t see Jason lasting another three seasons.

“Interesting times happening up in the North at the moment.”