Each week The Courier Mail's Pete Badel reports live from Red Hill to give us the latest team news, injury updates and contract sticking points for the three Queensland NRL teams. This week he's got exclusive insight on some major news with QLD stars.

HOW HOLMES HOLDS THE KEY TO BARBA'S FUTURE

‘’The Sharks have put a long-term extension to Valentine Holmes, I’m hearing it’s quite lucrative and that is problematic for the Cowboys,’’ Badel told Sporting News.

‘’I don’t think they’ll be able to afford Valentine Holmes.

‘’If he goes back to Townsville it won’t just be about money, he would have to sacrifice cash to go back for family reasons but the Sharks are very confident of keeping Holmes at the club.

‘’If they do that I’m hearing Ben Barba, who is returning to the NRL next season, will be one player that is offered to the Cowboys.

‘’Whether the Cowboys want to take him remains to be seen, he’s got some reputational issues from his past issues in the game, but his management will offer him to the Cowboys and it’s up to them to decide whether they want his flair to spark their backline.’’

BRISBANE'S FINAL OFFER TO OATES

‘’Corey Oates has finaly severed ties with his management. I can tell you he’s taken up a new manager as of last week and he has kicked off talks with the Broncos on a new extended deal,’’ Badel said.

‘’While there has been no official deal at this stage, they have begun talks and put an offer to Corey Oates and it’s now up to him to decide what he wants to do.

‘’Whether he stays at the club remains to be seen, he’s got better offers elsewhere from Sydney clubs in the vicinity of $700,000.

‘’Brisbane have already told him they can’t match it so if he stays here at Red Hill he’ll have to take a pay cut.’’

GARTH BRENNAN'S TITANS SPINE SHAKE-UP

‘’AJ Brimson, their rookie, was blooded this year in the No.6 jumper but I’m hearing Garth Brennan is looking to move him on a permanent basis to fullback next year,’’ Badel said.

‘’That is the reason he’s brought Tyrone Roberts back. Tyrone Roberts is back at the club next season and is likely to start in the halves with Ash Taylor.

‘’They’re also still in talks with Ryley Jacks the Melbourne playmaker. There is still a bit of a financial chasm as to whether they can come to financial terms remains to be seen.

‘’Ryley Jacks hopes that if the money is right he can sign a deal with the Titans next season.’’