NRL News: New twist in Valentine Holmes saga at Cowboys amid $750,000 Reagan Campbell-Gillard details

The Valentine Holmes’s contract situation in North Queensland has taken a surprising turn when it was reported that the Cowboys star has decided against a move in 2025 – a development that is likely to impact Parramatta's Reagan Campbell-Gillard. The Cowboys are under salary cap pressure and have given their Maroons Origin star permission to speak to rival NRL Clubs are discussing a move next year, even though the 29-year-old still has one more season left on his current contract.

Holmes reportedly earns nearly $1 million per season with the Cowboys. The Cowboys have made it clear that they want to keep the center, but will not stand in the way of an expensive move elsewhere. Shane Flanagans Dragons had emerged as the most likely target for Holmeswho won a championship under the coach during their time together at Cronulla.

Flanagan is believed to have recently flown to Townsville to speak to Holmes and his manager, but the proposed move “hit a roadblock”, according to Fox League's James Hooper, who said the 29-year-old has had a massive change of heart. Holmes is apparently happy with his family in Townsville and is now willing to sacrifice his multi-year deal with the Dragons to fulfil his current contract with North Queensland.

Valentine Holmes tells the Cowboys he wants to stay

“Shane Flanagan flew out there and met with Val. I think it was all going in the right direction but there was one obstacle,” Hooper told NRL 360 on Monday night. “I think Val came back to the club and said, 'You know what, I've spoken to my family and I actually think I might prefer to let my contract run out.'

“He still has to run next year, so the Cowboys have to try to maneuver the situation now to get the best outcome.” Veteran league reporter Phil Rothfield called it a “strange” move by Holmes, considering he would be giving up a significant amount of money and the chance to secure his long-term future by turning his back on the Dragons.

“It's a bit of a strange move because Val is guaranteed $800,000 or something next year at the Cowboys,” Rothfield said. “If he goes to St George Illawarra he'll get (his salary) for three years, so he's thinking about his family.” Rothfield went on to reveal that Holmes' manager recently approached the Roosters about the possibility of signing there, but the Sydney club ultimately couldn't fit him into their salary cap.

“There's another really interesting side story to this story: Val Holmes and his manager were knocking on the door of the Sydney Roosters not too long ago,” Rothfield added. “He knew Joseph Suaalii and Joey Manu were leaving. He's a good mate of Chad Townsend and would have been very comfortable in that system. But the Roosters don't have room, they told me.”

Reagan Campbell-Gillard to move to the Cowboys

The Holmes saga also has implications for Parramatta front-rower Reagan Campbell-Gillard, who has apparently attracted interest from the Cowboys. The experienced prop was reportedly told by the Eels he was surplus to requirements in 2025. Hooper says the Eels have struggled to get rid of Maika Sivo and Ryan Matterson, so they have told Campbell-Gillard he can leave next season if he finds a suitable club.

The Cowboys are reportedly interested in signing Campbell-Gillard, but with Holmes having expressed his desire to stay in North Queensland, there is virtually no chance they can squeeze the experienced prop under their salary cap. Campbell-Gillard reportedly earns around $750,000 a season and Hooper says the Eels have made it clear they would not be willing to contribute any of that salary to get rid of him.

The former NSW Origin and Kangaroos front-rower showed his professionalism and class by putting contract uncertainty aside and playing a starring role in Parramatta's gutsy two-point loss to three-time reigning champions Penrith last week. The Eels were on the verge of an upset before the Panthers scored three tries in three minutes in a last-gasp effort to secure a 36-34 win.