SHARK ALERT
VAL’S SURPRISE SKILL TO BE KEY
NICK WRIGHT
HE DIDN'T expect the ball playing ability of Valentine Holmes to be his greatest asset, but those signs have shown Cowboys coach Paul Green the fullback still has plenty of improvement in him.
It is a scary proposition, given the former Cronulla Shark was known for his running game.
But the custodian now leads the NRL in try and line break assists this season and if he gets to full flight tonight his old club will have a headache to nurse at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
“So far I think the ball playing ability has been the best part of what he’s been doing for us,” Green said.
“It’s something he hadn’t really been known for … he was probably known better as a runner. I knew he could ball play, but he’s been doing a really good job in that area.
“The fact he’s leading in try assists, that was something I thought might have taken a bit longer to come into his game. But he’s good and he’s feeling comfortable at the back there and making some really good decisions.”
North Queensland will be without the services of Jason Taumalolo due to a knee injury. It will be a noticeable hole in the side, given the former Dally M Medal winner leads the competition in running and post contact metres.
Attempting to replace him would be an impossible task, but Green said that was not their focus.
“You don’t (replace his presence) is the simplest answer, but you don’t have to either,” he said.
“Everyone else just has to contribute a little bit more. We’ll play a bit of a different game, not too different, but his knee is coming along really well – we don’t expect him to be out too long.”