The rivals will meet in Townsville both down on key troops after the Broncos scratched influential halfback and captain Adam Reynolds (groin) and prop Kobe Hetherington (back) on Friday.
Aiming to remain in the top eight, the Cowboys are regrouping after Holmes' four-week suspension on top of fellow Queensland State of Origin star Jeremiah Nanai (shoulder) that followed a momentum-sapping loss to Gold Coast.
Veteran winger Kyle Feldt has earnt a recall, named at centre in place of Holmes.
But he may not play there, with Maroons winger Murray Taulagi spotted training in the centres during the week and Payten coy on Friday.
"Everyone will find out who's going to line out where once we run out," he said.
"I just want to keep that a little bit close at the moment."
A hero of the Cowboys' 2015 grand final win, Feldt has forced his way back into the NRL fold via strong stints in the second-tier Queensland Cup for both the Townsville and Cairns outfits.
"He's held himself well in a tough period for him, gone about his work, played for the Blackhawks, the Pride and got some time in the centres in both those games and was a class above," Payten said.
Brisbane (15-5) are equal first but will miss their ringleader Reynolds, who wasn't risked after reporting a tight groin.
Hetherington corked his back in last week's defeat of the Sydney Roosters and didn't travel, coach Kevin Walters forced to call on halfback Jock Madden and young prop Xavier Willison.
"He's not tracking too well actually," Walters said of his talismanic skipper and playmaker.
"So it's Jock Madden into the No.7 and away we go.
"If (Reynolds) was right to play he'd play, but it creates an opportunity.
"Jock's been in great touch in the Queensland Cup and we've got a lot of faith in what he can do."
Payten said he was surprised to hear of Reynolds' scratching but saw enough of Madden in a pre-season clash against his side to remain wary.
"It'll mean a few different things for them; Reece Walsh will step up and Madden, he's been in their system, knows how it works," the coach said.
"We played a team last week without its best player (Titans' Tino Faasuamaleaui), we're missing Val ... it's what happens.
"You've got to get the job done without some of your best players from time to time."
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