North Queensland will have a new look to their backline in 2025 following a string of departures in the off-season.
Valentine Holmes has jumped ship to St George Illawarra, while the club’s leading try-scorer Kyle Feldt has left for the Super League.
The duo formed an integral part of the Cowboys’ attacking arsenal in the past but Todd Payten is now looking for others in his squad to step up in their absence.
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Murray Taulagi set for possible positional switch for the North QLD Cowboys
Holmes had the centre spot on the left edge locked down following his return Down Under after a brief venture to America to try his hand at NFL.
And Todd Payten believes a fellow Queensland State of Origin star could fill the void left behind by the 29-year-old.
"Zac Laybutt, Braidon Burns, Semi Valemei and Murray Taulagi are in the mix for Val’s spot," Payten told Triple M.
"Absolutely," the coach replied when pressed on whether Taulagi posed as a legitimate option amongst the vying candidates.
The Maroons star formed a lethal partnership alongside Holmes last season, crossing for 11 tries in 18 appearances outside him.
The flyer has been an ever-present on North Queensland’s wing ever since establishing himself as a first grade regular in 2021.
However, a shift into the centres could now be on the cards in Townsville as Payten looks to replicate Holmes’ damaging ball running and passing skills.
"He’s a high-end player and whether he plays centre or wing, he’ll handle it with ease," Payten declared.
"It’s just about building combinations over this next six to eight week period."
The positional switch of Taulagi is one of just three possible exciting developments in the team, with Feldt’s spot on the right wing up for grabs and a "three-way shootout" for the No.7 jersey set to play out in the coming months.
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Despite a summer of change up north, Payten stressed that his side was more than ready to kick on and become a genuine premiership threat next year.
"It’s far from a rebuild because there’s so much upside to a lot of our players that we’ve got within our group," the coach said.
"We’ve got some players in the 50-game range who are starting to hit their straps and we’ve got a couple of opportunities available.
"In no way, shape or form is this a rebuild.
"We’ve got a highly talented and motivated squad and I’m looking forward to 2025."
