Queensland representative Taulagi has played centre before for the Cowboys, in 2020 and 2021, and appears set to move in one slot from the left wing.
A grand-final winner with the Cowboys in 2015, Kyle Feldt - who hasn't played first grade since round 16 - trained on the left flank outside Taulagi.
Ahead of Saturday's Townsville showdown, Broncos assistant coach John Cartwright was sceptical when asked on Wednesday about the likelihood of Taulagi taking Holmes' spot.
"We are not really sure yet. We won't really know probably until kick-off. They play a few games with their starting lineup," Cartwright said.
"We will prepare ourselves and we will be ready for who they put in."
Cowboys captain Chad Townsend was cagey when asked about Holmes' replacement.
" I know (coach) Toddy (Payten) has got a couple of options," Townsend said.
"There is an opportunity for someone ... to come in and really grab that spot.
"I have no doubt there will be a few boys jumping in that position at training."
Right winger Semi Valemei, who trained in his regular slot, was one volunteer to replace Holmes.
"I would put my hand up," the former Canberra centre said.
"If they put me at centre or wing I've just got to ... do the job."
Holmes on Tuesday lost his bid for a downgrade of his dangerous contact charge at the NRL judiciary. He will miss four weeks of action.
Successfully replacing their goalkicker and strike centre will be crucial to the Cowboys' chances of maintaining their finals push.
Coach Payten was interviewed by former Cowboys hooker Ray Thompson on the club's Cowboys Catch-Up show on Wednesday about Holmes' possible replacement.
"What will happen this weekend is that Kyle Feldt will come into the team and we will work out whether that will be on the wing or in the centres," Payten said.
"He has played centre (for Pride) in the Queensland Cup and done a really good job, so we will look at how we go at training and make a decision later in the week."
Payten explained why the Cowboys ran the gauntlet with Holmes at the judiciary.
"Val had three weeks if we took the early guilty plea. To (successfully) challenge the downgrading he would have copped a fine and been able to play this week and for the rest of the season," he said.
"We essentially risked one week for a good return. We know going into those things you are up against it.
"People getting off at the judiciary is not that common but we felt the reward certainly outweighed the risk.
"We mounted a good case but in the end it is subjective to the panel members and they ruled against us."
16°C