Report: Broncos enter the race for Valentine Holmes

The Brisbane Broncos have expressed interest in signing Queensland Origin star Valentine Holmes, according to The Daily Telegraph.

The 24-year old is currently with the New York Jets as an international development player chasing his NFL dream.

However, he could return home as early as December 29 should the Jets miss the playoffs.

The Cowboys were thought to be the frontrunners for Holmes, however, the emergence of Scott Drinkwater in the No.1 jumper has opened the door for rivals to pounce.

Holmes would be a big upgrade at fullback for the Broncos, which could push Anthony Milford back into the halves.

Former NRL star Matthew Johns, who is working for the Broncos over the pre-season in a consultant role, said Holmes should be on Brisbane's radar.

“Brisbane have to look at Valentine Holmes, he would be a terrific signing,” Johns said.

“I know North Queensland have pinned their hopes on getting him but if he comes back next year, I’m sure a stack of clubs will be having a go.

“Val is a great player, it would make perfect sense for the Broncos to go after him.

“He would bring some speed and strike at the back and that’s what the Broncos have lacked this season.”

Broncos legend Steve Renouf said the club should pounce on the star fullback.

“The Broncos should go after Val Holnes, they have to get him if he is available,” Renouf said.

“He is a matchwinner and that would take the pressure off Anthony Milford to try and be the spark in Brisbane’s attack.

“The Broncos have to do something with their spine and Val would be a great asset.”

Johns added that the Broncos have another level they can reach if they sign a gun playmaker to their spine.

“The team generates their confidence out of its playmakers,” he said. “To have success, you need to have a great playmaker in the side, you just have to have a dominant voice steering the team around.

“I honestly don’t know where the Broncos turn. I was of the belief that the Broncos should have signed James Maloney. When he decided to leave Penrith, I felt the Broncos could have done with for 12 months alongside Dearden to help the kid and give Brisbane some direction.

“Looking at the market, there is not much around. Dearden is going to be a good player but he is just a kid and it will take a few years for him to develop into a dominant playmaker.

“It’s an absolute necessity to have a top-drawer playmaker.”