Valentine Holmes has his sights set on taking over the fullback spot at Cronulla next season, sparking a battle for what is sure to be one of the most hotly contested positions in the NRL.

Fellow rising star Jack Bird has also been training at fullback for the Sharks in preseason and the club has 2012 Dally M winner Ben Barba in its ranks too.

Barba has been helping Holmes in his transition from wing to the custodian role, helping to create an early selection headache for Sharks coach Shane Flanagan.

“I would love to play fullback, there are big shoes to fill after Michael Gordon left, he was a great player here,” Holmes told AAP on Wednesday.

“If me being on the wing is best for the team I am happy with that but I would prefer to play fullback.

“It is good that there are a few boys putting their hands up for the job; there is always competition with every position in the team, you just have to put your head down, train hard and make that position yours.”

Rugby league Immortal Andrew Johns predicted Holmes would become an NRL superstar after his breakout season in 2015.

If given the chance the 20-year-old could make as dramatic a switch from wing to fullback as Warriors recruit Roger Tuivasa-Sheck did with Sydney Roosters this year.

However Holmes knows he has to work on a few things yet to secure his spot at the back.

“I’m hoping my attack will come naturally,” he said.

“But if I play fullback I want to be able to tell Gal (Paul Gallen) and Mick Ennis and the boys where to be, to put them in the right spot. I need to be real clear about that.

“Benny has told me not to shy, to be confident in what you are doing and saying to get the boys to listen to you and make it all work.”