Super Val could be in for trial

ALL eyes will be on Cowboys HQ today when coach Paul Green names his side for Saturday night’s trial against Brisbane Broncos at Barlow Park.

Both teams are expected to name their squads for the trial, which marks the first time Queensland’s premier NRL derby has come to Cairns.

North Queensland will be without Josh McGuire, who was injured as the Cowboys romped to the NRL Nines title, but could include high-profile recruit Valentine Holmes.

It will be Holmes’ first NRL game since he returned from a stint at the NFL’s New York Jets, and while his minutes in the trial may be limited, it will give fans their first glimpse at the Origin fullback since he signed a six-year deal at the Cowboys.

NORTH Queensland forward Josh McGuire has been ruled out of their NRL season- opener against Brisbane with a knee injury.

Scans yesterday confirmed McGuire, right, tore the medial meniscus in his left knee in Saturday’s NRL Nines quarterfinal win over South Sydney Rabbitohs in Perth.

“McGuire will have surgery in Townsville (on Tuesday) and is expected to return by Round 2,” the club said in a statement.

The development sours the Cowboys’ nines triumph in Perth, where they outlasted St George Illawarra in the final to claim the trophy.

McGuire’s absence robs North Queensland of some crucial front-row experience for their round-one clash against their state rivals.

He was slated to start alongside key prop Jordan McLean and star lock Jason Taumalolo in arguably the best middle rotation in the competition.

Coach Paul Green is now likely to rely on the likes of John Asiata, Emry Pere, and Francis Molo to fill the role on March 13.

The contest doubles as the first game at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

The Cowboys will take on the Broncos at Barlow Park on Saturday in a trial, with Valentine Holmes expected to make his first appearance in club colours.

North Queensland will then finalise preparations for the season proper with a hitout against Melbourne on February 29.