Queensland coach Kevin Walters is hoping Johnathan Thurston might still make this month’s State of Origin series opener, but will consult senior players about any potential replacement for the star half.
The classy five-eighth suffered a shoulder injury in Australia’s Test win over New Zealand last Friday.
While the injury won’t require surgery, it means Thurston will be racing the clock to play in the first Origin clash in Brisbane on Wednesday May 31.
Michael Morgan, Anthony Milford and Corey Norman are among the candidates to replace Thurston should he not recover in time.
In a poll conducted on Monday night on Fox Sports’ NRL 360 about Thurston’s potential replacement, Norman finished top on 42 per cent, followed by Milford (35) and Morgan (23).
Walters said if Thurston couldn’t play in the match at Suncorp Stadium, the 34-year-old North Queensland playmaker would be consulted about who would take his place.
“I’ll consult (halfback) Cooper (Cronk), Johnathan and (hooker) Cameron (Smith) about who would be the best fit,” Walters said on NRL 360.
‘We’ve got some good talent in that position….we’ve got some good depth in our halves.
“We’re just going to have wait and see what happens in the next couple of weeks and hopefully little Jonny can get himself fit.”
Incumbent Kangaroos and Queensland fullback Darius Boyd seems not to have any major issues with being moved back to the wing to accommodate the anticipated return of Billy Slater.
“You put your best players in the team and find positions afterwards,” Boyd said.
Blues coach Laurie Daley appears to have a similar philosophy when it comes to squeezing a surfeit of quality back-rowers into his squad.
“We can’t fit all our back-rowers in, we’ve been contemplating throwing them all in and finding a position for them,” Daley said on NRL 360.
Pomski
Guest
I wouldnt mind Slater getting back his fullback spot over Boyd. Its not like the fullback spot was locked up for Boyd. Don't forget last year was the only time he put on the Maroons number 1 jumper. 2015 was Slater and Inglis. If Boyd had been playing at fullback for Qld for 2 - 3 years then i would think he was hard done by but he's really only played in it for a year.
souvalis
Guest
Those stats may well amount to nothing but a ball of dust in Game 1,an anticipated arm wrestle..Don't think the replacement 6 will be a maestro,he'll be a second fiddle..and that's the beauty of Munster..he plays that role so sweetly,everybody outside of him at the Storm are having great seasons...anyway,we'll see.
Rob
Guest
I agree, Norman has made the Eels a formidable team. When he isn't on the field the Eels struggle. Since the begining of last year Norman has played 24 games scored 4 tries, 20 try assists, and 12 line break assists. JT has played 27 scored 3, 27 try assists, 6 line break assists. Norman has run more meters, made more tackles less errors and fewer miss tackles than JT also in this time.
dragons2468
Guest
DCE played 5/8 outside Cronk in the last world cup and got mom. DCE plays more like Thurston and is very different to Cronk. also DCE is the best defensjve half in the NRL.
PNG Broncos fan88
Roar Guru
Norman is all class, its his time - he will be picked. DCE will be overlooked with Walters playing the loyalty card for utility Morgan. Munster is another Morgan clone, made to look good when a Cronk/Thurston running the show and so average without.
PNG Broncos fan88
Roar Guru
Outstandingly safe yes but...the times when Boyd has made a tackle break from kick returns has been so rare this year. He seems content to trot into the opposition and submit. I miss those days when Lockyer just cut opposition defences to shreds with his gliding returns. Broncs almost always scored on the next ensuing plays. Hope Milford lights it up again Lockyer-style once Boyd leaves for Origin.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
Given his Cowbies form I wouldn't have Morgan anywhere near the Queensland team. Boyd has done nothing wrong to deserve losing the fullback spot, Billy on the other hand is highly experienced though and is an asset to the team, so I'd play him on the wing. The number 6 is quite a conundrum, I guess the best question to answer is who would work best with Cronk. DCE & JT didn't work out too well, but maybe he'd go better with Cronk. In saying that would Bozo allow him to even play Origin for Queensland? Maybe the established partnership between Cronk & Munster would be the best solution.
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
Personally I think its because he's not a very good five eighth.
Rob
Guest
Corey Norman would be a good fit because he primarily plays a running role. DCE and Cronk would be like Langer and Stuart together. It doesn't work. Morgan and Chambers would be my choice in the centers. Milford would be a bench option only as his defence is not up to SOO standard. Munster is in the mix but Milford could be a game breaker of the bench late in the game.
Joe
Roar Rookie
I also think Darius Boyd should keep his spot for Origin 1. Billy has been good but he is not back to his best. I guess the next few weeks will be the final audition for Billy but Boyd has been outstanding at fullback and I think deserves first crack at Origin 1. Chambers has one centre spot the other will be between Gagai and O'Neil. I also think Val Holmes should get a wing spot. He played outside Chambers in the test so at least there is a combo going.
Joe
Roar Rookie
I think DCE should be in the mix. He has had a pretty good year and is back to his best. I also think he will make a better partner for Cronk as he plays like a five eighth, more like a JT than a Cronk. Having DCE and JT together was a mistake as they both play off the cuff and there is no controller like Cronk. I'd also look at Titans Taylor as a left field option although he would be more like a Cronk than a JT. Actually I think Taylor has the complete game as he can also take on the line and has excellent footwork. You know he is going to play Origin at some stage so might as well start blooding him and Milford.
Long Black
Roar Rookie
Pretty good argument at having the Storm 1, 6, 7 & 9 together. Can't see it happening but not too many holes in the idea. As much as I love him, I can't see Milf getting the guernsey if it becomes available. I also think Morgan will keep his spot at 14. If this is the case, I think DCE will get the nod over Corey Norman. Munster might not have to wait long and Ash Taylor, if he stays fit, will start having his name thrown around in the very near future. Down the track names like Croft, Scarlett will start to emerge also.
The eye
Guest
Why isnt Cameron Munster in the conversation..hes consistently more reliable/on his game than the candidates mentioned and is a ready made part of the Storm-Maroon spine..
kk
Roar Pro
DCE is ready and will stay there after a blinder in O1.
Roberto
Guest
Are you serious Daley?! So all your forwards will be back-rowers and all your backs will be fullbacks. Haha, this guy is pretending to be a coach.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Norman, Milford, Morgan or DCE? Handy problem to have. Makes a blue feel a little blue when we're discussing Pearce or Reynolds...
Adsa
Guest
Corey Norman should go to 5/8 and DCE to the bench. Morgan's year to date hardly inspires to make the team.