Ex-Test enforcer Greg Dowling has rejected Johnathan Thurston’s claim that he has been unfairly targeted, saying the North Queensland No.7 should take the heavy contact as a compliment.
Thurston renewed calls for more playmaker protection after complaining about a string of heavy hits in the Cowboys’ last round NRL loss to South Sydney.
And Dowling believed Thurston would cop some more treatment from a monster Warriors pack at Auckland on Saturday as the Cowboys try to lock up a top four spot.
But Dowling did not believe Thurston had any grounds for complaint.
“Anyone worth their salt in this game is going to try and take out the main playmaker,” he told AAP.
“Has he been unfairly targeted? I don’t reckon, no.
“No more than any other halfback, put it that way.
“Tomorrow should be another physical clash for him.”
Dowling believed Thurston should take the attention from defenders as a compliment.
“It’s a testament to how good he is,” he said.
“When Thurston takes it to the line you’ve got to be on him because he has such a bag of tricks.
“I am a big fan. He is the ultimate competitor. He is the Cowboys.”
Dowling tipped North Queensland to snap a two game losing run and notch their first win in New Zealand since 2009.
Dowling said the Warriors were “not a force” without playmaker Shaun Johnson (ankle).
“It’s like taking Thurston out of the Cowboys,” he said.
“The Cowboys forwards have been a bit scratchy over the last couple of weeks but this team has been fairly dominant throughout the season.
“They have been dudded in the finals the last few years but there is plenty of big match experience there to get them home (on Saturday).”
The Warriors have won four of the past six clashes – and seven of eight at home – against the Cowboys but they have woeful recent form, dropping the last five games.
Mason Lino has been called up to make his NRL debut as Warriors pivot, replacing Chad Townsend (illness) who was admitted to an Auckland hospital on Tuesday night.
“Chad hasn’t trained all week and he’s still not right so we made the call to bring in Mason,” said Warriors coach Andrew McFadden.
KEY STATS
– Since their losing streak began in round 19 the Warriors have scored the fewest tries and points of any team in the competition (7.2 points per game)– From 2014-15, the Warriors have won 20 of 23 matches conceding less than 21 points but have triumphed only once in 22 when they have conceded 21 points or more
– The Cowboys have made the most run metres of any team in 2015, averaging almost 1600 per game while conceding the fewest (1353 per game)
mycall
Guest
Generally Reynolds gets deeper for his kicks than Thurston does and so doesn't get smashed as much but it's Thurston's choice to be flat and/or advance with the ball before kicking.
mycall
Guest
And the referees and their bosses have clearly stated that he is not being hit late. If Thurston has a problem with the attention he gets, he only needs to get deeper, kick before the players are on him, but he doesn't, he takes the ball as far as he can before kicking. The defenders make the decision to tackle him before he has kicked the ball, their job is to pressure him and not allow him to get a good kick away uncontested. It would be impossible for the NRL to bring in any rule or interpretation to "protect" the kickers, because smart players like Thurston would exploit it and take the ball further before kicking or dummying to kick and running the ball.
RT
Guest
Happened to Maloney a couple of times last night. Refs in the NRL just don't have the guts to protect playmakers in the air. Last night Hodges (who admittedly is a very big grub) pushed the Roosters winger whilst he was in the air before he caught the ball. If that goes wrong and the guy lands on his head what does the NRL do? The NRL are stupid. They protect grubs and dirty play on the basis of keeping the game tough. It's almost impossible to get sent off or sin binned these days. You can tackle a guy in the air or dive at his knees and the worst you'll suffer is a penalty but raise a fist and you're gone for 10. NRL refs are a laughing stock..
up in the north
Roar Rookie
Well that's exactly my point. If he's booted the ball and gets caught mid-air then driven into the ground without said ball how is that right.
Onballer
Guest
if you have the ball in your hands i think that means the other team can try to stop you. I think that's how it works. Poor Johnny.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
I'll say this till I'm blue in the face. When he is hit late it's totally different to being flattened taking the ball to the line. One's fair game , but the late ones are just plain wrong. I say that not as a Cowbies fan but as a rugby league fan who wants to be entertained by the best available and if a players career is cut short by dirty tactics then I've been robbed of some of my enjoyment - yep it's all about me.
Squidward
Roar Rookie
Why wouldn't you smash him (legally) He's the best and most influential player in the game, anytime he's too worn out to attack at his best the next few sets is a bonus
Mike from Tari
Guest
No complaints from Reynolds & Keary who also copped the same treatment as Thurston.
Jay C
Roar Guru
He is just trying to manipulate the referees. It's gamesmanship. I don't think he is targeted any more than others would be. Would be good to see Jake Granville take some of the pressure off him with a few good kicks.