JT GETS NEW GIG
Thurston to take on ambassador role with Cowboys next season
JOHNATHAN Thurston has accepted a three-year deal to stay at the Cowboys in an ambassadorial role with the 35-year-old also set to mentor the club’s young halves and leaders.
Thurston shapes as a key
sounding board for Michael Morgan when he returns from injury as the marquee playmaker next year, and young halves Te Maire Martin and Jake Clifford.
Co-captain Matt Scott experienced first-hand how Thurston’s football brain works when both players suffered season ending injuries last year.
“He has a ridiculously good
football mind,” Scott said. “People think a lot of what he does is just instinct, but he’s very analytical of the game. Watching with him from the sidelines last year for a fair few games, I got an insight into how he sees the game differently to most people, definitely different to me as a front rower.”
JOHNATHAN Thurston’s hanging up the boots but Cowboys star Matt Scott is adamant his brilliance will be crucial to the club’s campaign to bounce back next year.
Thurston has accepted a three-year deal to stay at the Cowboys in an ambassadorial role, but the 35-year-old is also willing to mentor the club’s young halves and leaders.
He shapes as a key sounding board for Michael Morgan when he returns from injury as the marquee playmaker next year, and young halves Te Maire Martin and Jake Clifford.
Scott experienced firsthand how Thurston’s football brain works when both players suffered season ending injuries last year.
“He has a ridiculously good football mind,” Scott said.
“People think a lot of what he does is just instinct, but he’s very analytical of the game.
“Watching with him from the sidelines last year for a fair few games, I got an insight into how he sees the game differently to most people, definitely different to me as a front rower.
“I know he’s already helped Morgo and T (Martin) and now Cliffo coming through, to have him around would be huge.”
Thurston took on a bigger role in video review and preview sessions with players last year after shoulder surgery sidelined him.
It was a role he enjoyed as the Cowboys defied the odds to make the grand final.
The Cowboys will be keen to bounce back next year, with a home win against the Eels on Friday vital to avoid a shock wooden spoon.
“I’m not exactly sure what the club have prepared for me, but it’s going to be nice to still be involved,” Thurston said.
“If that (mentoring halves) is the path they want me to take, I’m more than happy.
“Being injured last year, I got to work a bit with the playing group and also the coaching staff. I enjoyed it.
“It certainly gave me an appreciation for what the coaching staff go through. They watch a lot of film, and put a lot of hours into preparation.”
Thurston has stated numerous times coaching full time isn’t on his agenda, but a consultancy role appeals.
Clifford has shown gradual progress in his five games in the top flight. He was brilliant at times in last week’s loss to Cronulla but drifted in and out.
The 20-year-old will battle it out with Martin for the right to partner Morgan in the halves next season.
“He had some nice touches and probably others where we need him to get a bit more involved as well,” Cowboys coach Paul Green said.