Up to $ 3.6m to lure Holmes back to his home turf Cowboys vie for Val

THE Cowboys will today launch one of the richest poaching raids in the club’s history in an attempt to bring Queensland Origin star Valentine Holmes to Townsville.

The Bulletin can reveal North Queensland will begin negotiations with Holmes on a package worth up to $ 3.6 million as more than $ 20 million worth of talent today hits the NRL open market.

About 168 top- liners are up for grabs with the NRL’s annual November 1 contracting period giving off- contract NRL stars the chance to test their value on the open market.

Holmes is at the top of the hit- list, with the Cowboys now having the capacity under the NRL’s guidelines to table a formal offer for the Townsvilleborn tryscoring machine.

The Cowboys have been linked with Holmes for the past six months. The Maroons ace is considering quitting Cronulla, but has been unable to field a formal offer from the Cowboys until November 1.

Now North Queensland have the contractual green light to ramp up their pursuit, with Cowboys head- of- football Peter Parr last night confirming the club will make a formal play for Holmes.

“We were waiting to see if Holmes was still available come November 1 and now that he is, we will have a discussion with his management,” Parr said. “We will make contact with his management, Chris and Gavin Orr, and we will see where it takes us.

“We haven’t given much thought to what our offer would be, but now Valentine is on the open market, I will have a discussion with ‘ Greeny’ ( Cowboys coach Paul Green).”

Parr would not be drawn on figures, but it is understood the Cowboys will consider offering a three- or- four year deal worth $ 900,000 a season.

The Sharks have tabled a five- year extension to Holmes worth more than $ 4 million, putting pressure on the Cowboys to table a long- term deal.

While Holmes is contracted to Cronulla until the end of 2020, he has a 12- month option in his favour, meaning he can field rival offers from today.

Several Sydney clubs are also keen on Holmes but if he leaves the Sharks, a move to the Cowboys is likely due to family connections.

In his contract, Holmes has until next August to give the Sharks a definitive answer.

His manager confirmed the Cowboys are a real contender to gain the Test winger.

“There will be a lot of interest in Val and come November 1 we will be open to discussions,” PSM director Chris Orr said.

“Much has been said about the family attraction of the Cowboys for Val, which is true, but he has been at the Shire since he was 17, it’s not like Val is unhappy at Cronulla.”