VALENTINE’S HOME IS IN THE CENTRES FOR 2022

HELL nor high water will move Valentine Holmes from the Cowboys’ centre position in 2022, according to coach Todd Payten on the eve of the club’s season opener, but Jason Taumalolo’s future at lock in North Queensland is less clear.

Payten shut down any discussion of Holmes shifting away from the centres in his final press conference before taking on the Bulldogs in Townsville on Sunday night but he did not offer that same assurance to his club co-captain.

Taumalolo was moved all over the paddock last year as Payten strove to unlock the game-breaking performances that led the Cowboys to sign him to a record 10-year extension through to 2027.

Asked if he planned to keep selecting the Tongan international captain at No.13, as he has for Sunday, or whether his position would fluctuate, Payten revealed Taumalolo’s position was not locked in.

“We have a plan but that plan might not mean much if something happens, you know, with HIA (head injury assessment) or injury,” Payten said.

“He will start the game and finish the game. We need our best players on the park as long as possible.”

It was a stark contrast to the answer offered later when asked how much patience fans should have for Valentine Holmes as he adjusts to life in the centres.

In 169 career starts for Cronulla, North Queensland, the Maroons and Australia, Holmes has been selected twice in the centres, both times by Payten.

“He’s going to be there the whole season,” Payten confirmed.

“He doesn’t need to worry about what the external expectation is, it’s what he puts on himself.

“If he takes the requirements from us as a coaching group and the playing group we’re happy. That’s where he should base his success from.”

Holmes said he was excited to experiment with the unfamiliar position and said his natural attacking game could still shine with a licence to roam the field looking for work.

“This would be the first time starting the year off and having a good pre-season at centre,” Holmes said.

“I haven’t played too much at centre but it’s not too bad of a position.

“I feel like Youngy (defence coach Dean Young) has done a really good job with myself defensively in the centres, training next to Tommy (Dearden), Drinky (Scott Drinkwater) and Murray (Taulagi) outside me. I’m really comfortable and confident with the work I’ve put in.”

Payten said the selection of eight middle forwards, including four on the bench, would change to better combat the Cowboys’ opposition week to week.

The versatility of centre Peta Hiku and athleticism of edge forward Heilum Luki will cover the backline in the event of injury.