With Holmes's impending departure, are the Cowboys heading towards a youth movement?

The North Queensland Cowboys have told their star fullback Valentine Holmes that he can look elsewhere for the 2025 NRL season, with the club looking to get rid of his $850,000 contract.

Holmes has struggled at times to achieve consistent form since returning to the National Rugby League (NRL) and has subsequently slipped down the pecking order amid a handful of rising stars from North Queensland.

The Cowboys have struggled to retain their rising stars and have already lost players such as Tom Gilbert and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, and Holmes's big-money contract seemed to disrupt coach Todd Payten's long-term plans.

Several reports have indicated that the Dragons could be interested in Holmes for next season, but SENs Corey Parker believes the Cowboys would have to contribute something to get rid of his contract.

“You would think that if he goes to the Dragons, they obviously wouldn’t pay that million dollar amount, but maybe only about $600,000,” Parker said on SENQ breakfast.

“Then the Cowboys would put in the extra $400,000 and say they saved $600,000.

“They have some really young superstars coming up, plus players like Heilum Luki and Griffin Neame who needed better contracts.

“They have Jaxson Purdue, (Zac) Laybutt … they see the future is bright and bright.”

Parker also took a look at the Cowboys' other big-money veteran, Jason Taumalolo, and questioned his future with the team.

“The other big topic of conversation is Jason Taumalolo, who still has a million dollars for another three seasons,” he said

“I can't imagine Jason lasting another three seasons.

“Interesting times are happening in the north right now.”