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Australian halfback Johnathan Thurston wants stand alone representative matches despite his mesmerising displays for both country and club over the weekend.
The Cowboys captain starred in Australia’s convincing 38-10 victory over New Zealand on Friday night, bagging two tries and kicking five goals, before scoring a hat trick of tries in the NRL clash against St George Illawarra on Saturday.
Likewise Luke O’Donnell backed up for club duties after being awarded the player’s player honour by his City Origin teammates after their stunning 40-18 victory over Country in Orange.
Both Thurston and O’Donnell now appear likely inclusions for State of Origin game one for Queensland and New South Wales respectively.
Unable to enjoy Friday night’s victory with his Australian teammates Thurston called for representative games to have a greater importance placed on them to allow players to celebrate their achievements as a team.
“I think the representative schedule should be just the one game (on the weekend) and let the boys enjoy the time together while they are in representative football,” he said.
Thurston did however say those involved in rep matches prided themselves on backing up strongly for their club.
“You want to back up and play well for your club after the representative matches,” he said.
“(The body is) a little bit sore but just relieved to get the two points.
After scoring five tries in two days Thurston revealed he still had some improvement in his game in an ominous warning to NSW players and fans.
“There are a couple of things I need to improve on – my kicking game still isn’t up to scratch, defence as well,” he said.
“But I will just look at the video during the week and just keep plugging away.”
Post game Neil Henry vented his frustration over the policing of the ruck area.
“I am mystified at a couple of them (decisions) and I am sure Wayne (Bennett, Dragons coach) is too,” Henry said.
“There were a couple of (penalties) for secondary movements in tackles where you might have worked the man three or four inches to the side.
“It is something at the moment – the ruck area – they are trying to tidy up I just see some penalties there I can’t work out what they are for.”
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