State of Origin duty has primed Michael Morgan to step up in Johnathan Thurston’s absence, North Queensland back-rower Gavin Cooper says.
But Cooper would not be surprised if playmaker Thurston ran out for the Cowboys in Saturday night’s NRL top-three clash with Melbourne in Townsville.
North Queensland coach Paul Green has not ruled out the possibility of Thurston playing despite reports the co-captain will be sidelined for two weeks with a hamstring complaint.
“I wouldn’t be surprised at all (if Thurston played),” Cooper said.
“That’s him – anything’s possible.”
But Cooper said Morgan was ready to take over the team reins after emerging as a leader from Origin duty for Queensland.
Morgan has cemented a key Maroons bench utility role since his Origin debut last year.
“Morgo has really grown as a player the last two years,” Cooper said.
“His game sense now is second to none.
“That’s something we will really look to (in Thurston’s absence).”
Cooper admitted there would be pressure on Morgan to fill Thurston’s shoes.
“Leading us around will be a little weight on his shoulders but nothing he can’t handle,” he said.
“Footy comes naturally to him.
“It will be a good opportunity for him if we do go without JT, but I hope we don’t.”
Alex L
Roar Rookie
There's a degree of endurance and grind vs power and flash in there too, especially with the Storm short their pair of hulking bench props that put the Bulldogs bench to shame -- Bromwich and Finucane both play huge minutes for their positions.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Going to be a game of attack vs defense and none more typified than the two players in 13 - Taumalolo vs Finucane. Going to be a cracking game even without JT although I expect him to front up. Looking forward to this game.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Couldn't beat the Storm with JT, I'd be confident to say they won't beat them without him.
MAX
Guest
Paul Green has proven he can coach with JT in the team. Can he do it without him? It would appear that he has been coaching and training with that in mind. Conversely, Craig Bellamy and the alert minds of Cronk and Smith will plan to the second of how to deal with a JT free Cowboys outfit. Storm by 7. Exciting!