Effort to rope in Val

Cowboys use Roos to woo Holmes to NQ

JORDAN McLean has two weeks to step up the Cowboys’ campaign in selling Valentine Holmes on the club as a 2020 destination.

McLean and Holmes played for Australia’s World Cup team last year and Holmes is wanted by the Cowboys when his Cronulla contract ends at the end of next year.

“I think Michael Morgan has been doing most of that probably, as their partners are sisters,’’ McLean said yesterday when the Australians went into camp in Brisbane for their two Test matches this month against New Zealand and Tonga. “They are pretty good mates.

“It would be nice to have him up there. He’s a quality player.’’

Ex-Cronulla fullback Ben Barba is joining North Queensland on a one-year deal, leaving salary cap room for the Cowboys to secure Holmes for 2020 if he wishes to live back in North Queensland.

“He (Barba) can bring a bit of X-factor to the Cowboys next year,’’ McLean said. “I’m sure he and Morgs will link up well with young Jake Clifford. He can slot right in there.’’

McLean was summoned to the Test squad for this month’s two Tests in Auckland, starting with Saturday’s clash with New Zealand, despite an injury hit year.

“I find myself very fortunate to be back here having only played 10 games – hopefully it can be memorable,’’ he said.

“To be on the sidelines for four months was pretty tough … hopefully 2019 will be better.

“Missing that much football, mentally you are fresh and physically I feel fine. It puts me in good stead for these next couple of games and I’m very humbled to be part of the green and gold.’’

McLean said he played a little over 40 minutes for the Prime Minister’s XIII in a game last Saturday in Port Moresby, where he said some teammates were unnerved by a spectator invasion of the field.

Spectators feared a light tower was moving and some dashed on to the field to get away from it.

“It was pretty funny because some of the boys were a bit spooked and started running,’’ he said.

“They just show a lot of passion and want to be close to their heroes, I guess. It was sorted pretty quick.”

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