Think North Queensland Cowboys. Think Johnathan Thurston. And that’s the problem, according to coach Paul Green.
The North Queensland mentor admits it is finally time his team showed they were more than a one man show.
And who better to do it against than the side that controversially knocked them out of the 2014 NRL finals.
North Queensland have no shortage of motivation ahead of their NRL season opener against Sydney Roosters in Townsville on Saturday night.
They will run out in jerseys commemorating their 20th year.
And Cowboys backrower Glenn Hall admitted they were still “burning” from their 31-30 semi-final loss to the Roosters last season.
It marked the third straight finals series which ended in controversy for long-suffering North Queensland.
However, Green said Saturday’s clash also provided an ideal platform for the Cowboys to show that they were not all about two-time Golden Boot winner Thurston.
Roosters assistant Steve McNamara admitted there was one name on their lips ahead of the opener.
“Johnathan Thurston is a world class player,” he said of the three-time Dally M Medallist.
“If he’s not the best player in the world, he’s in the top three or four.
“And it’s a strong squad.
“We are playing one of the best teams on their home ground so it’s a challenge the team looks forward to.”
Still, Green challenged his side to not rely on Thurston’s brilliance as they looked to live up to being one of the bookies’ premiership favourites – yet again.
Then there’s the crushing expectation from Cowboys fans who only have a 2005 grand final appearance to show for their 20 years of unshakable faith.
“Expectation is not something new to this squad,” Green said.
“Any team that has Johnathan Thurston’s name on the list will expect high things of it.
“I’ve said all along that just because those guys are in the team, unless we’re all doing our job it won’t really matter for much.”
Easier said than done against a new-look Roosters.
Speedster Roger Tuivasa-Sheck replaces retired fullback Anthony Minichiello and former bad boy Blake Ferguson features at centre.
The Roosters pack featuring Kiwi powerhouse Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Origin stars Boyd Cordner and Aidan Guerra plus hitman Dylan Napa will begin life after Sonny Bill Williams and Canberra recruit Frank-Paul Nuuausala.
But Hall reckoned the same old grudge would be held against a new-look Roosters after their 2014 finals exit.
“The boys will be burning the way we left the season last year,” he said.
“And with Tuivasa-Sheck at the back I don’t think they lose anything at all (without Minichiello).”
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