Val's Cowboys farewell marred as initial fears evaded

Valentine Holmes' final feature in a Cowboys jersey was marred by injury as trainers assisted the superstar centre from the field.

With all odds aligning against the Cowboys in the final minutes, Holmes fell to the turf in agony and clutched at his lower leg.

Video replays showed no rival Sharks players within range of the 29-year-old as he collapsed, with immediate concern placed on a potential Achilles injury.

READ MORE: 'Time for change': Socceroos coach quits in bombshell

READ MORE: Radley's status revealed ahead of sudden-death clash

READ MORE: Joey's tip for Addo-Carr's next club if axe drops

Cowboys coach Todd Payten confirmed Holmes had evaded initial concerns, but conceded it was a "poor way" to finish his tenure.

"We are unsure at the moment [what the injury is]," he said in his post-match press conference.

"He copped a knock when he scored his second try. We will have to talk further with the medical team but he is on crutches … it's definitely not an Achilles.

"It's a poor way for him to end with the club."

Nine's Danika Mason revealed the club medics believe the centre has broken his leg, which will put a dampener on his move to the Dragons.

"He picked up the first bit of pain following that try and then as he has gone to run a couple of minutes later he has pulled up in absolute agony," Mason said.

"We have spoken to the Cowboys and staff and they have suggested there are some fears it could be a broken leg."

Holmes was spotted hobbling back to the line following his second try of the match in the 70th minute, however, little concern was placed on his actions.

"Oh, that's not good," Cameron Smith said on Nine.

"He was holding his lower leg after he scored earlier – but this is not a good sign for Val.

Peter Psaltis added: "That's not a sight you want to see."

Watch the 2024 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now. 

Payten also confirmed retiring winger Kyle Feldt had suffered a calf injury.

"We got some feedback prior to that long run that he made that his calf was gone," Payten said.

Holmes will reunite with former coach Shane Flanagan in the Red in 2025 after signing a three-year deal with the club.