Dropped Val cops a ‘Hammer’
VALENTINE Holmes has copped a “Hammer” blow with the star Cowboys recruit axed as fullback in favour of young gun Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow for Thursday night’s clash with the Roosters in Townsville.
In a sign no one is a selection untouchable at North Queensland, Cowboys coach Paul Green has relegated Origin and Test sensation Holmes to the wing — clearing the fullback path for the teenage whiz-kid known as Hammer.
Holmes was hailed as the fullback matchwinner who could propel the Cowboys back into title contention when he aborted his NFL dream and signed a mega $5 million deal in November to return to the NRL.
But after just six games in his preferred No. 1 jumper, Holmes has been shunted to the flanks, with the exciting Tabuai-Fidow to oppose Roosters maestro James Tedesco in a thrilling backfield duel at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
The 18-year-old TabuaiFidow has played just three NRL games, but Green explained the positional move for Holmes, who is searching for peak form after injuring his ankle in last month’s loss to the Warriors.
Asked how Holmes received news of his axing as fullback, Green said: “He was pretty good. Given he is coming back from an ankle injury, he is not moving as freely as he was before the injury, so for this game we thought it was the best way to go (with Tabuai-Fidow at fullback).
“Val has played some big games on the wing in State of Origin so that’s the thinking behind it.”
Holmes will replace former Queensland Origin flyer Justin O’Neill, who suffered concussion in last week’s 42-4 loss to the Eels, while rookie Connelly Lemuelu has been named at left centre after Tom Opacic injured his knee at training.
Tabuai-Fidow has looked comfortable since his topgrade debut last month, convincing Green he can handle the Roosters.