JT sees shades of 2015 side

JOHNATHAN Thurston can see himself and Matt Scott in the dual leadership of Jason Taumalolo and Chad Townsend, and that’s not where the comparisons with the 2015 premiershipwinning Cowboys team ended.

The North Queensland legend, who steered the Cowboys to their maiden title that season, said this team could replicate their all-conquering success.

“I see a lot of similarities within the group: a lot of youth mixed with some experience, and that’s what the club probably lacked in the last few years since Matty Scott, Gavin Cooper and Michael Morgan finished up,” Thurston said.

“I also see the similarities in regards to the belief in the group.

“It doesn’t matter what the clock says or the scoreboard is saying, we have that belief that we can win the game whenever we’re within striking distance and we had that same belief in 2015.”

Michael Morgan, Thurston’s grand final halves partner, attributed much of this year’s success to the culture that coach Todd Payten has installed.

“The style of footy he wanted to play, and the culture he wanted to have, it was always going to be successful,” Morgan said. “It probably happened quicker than a lot of people thought, but it’s been a great turnaround.”

Part of that turnaround has been the emergence of Tom Dearden as a Origin prospect. Morgan said it has been great to see the young five-eighth reignite his passion for footy.

“When he was leaving the Broncos you could tell he wasn’t really enjoying his footy,” Morgan said. “It’s great to see him now that he’s enjoying his footy again, because that’s really what it’s all about.”

Thurston said he believed Townsend was the steady head the club had been crying out for.

“We’ve got young guys that are in the spine around him and he’s been able to bring them to another level, he’s been outstanding for the Cowboys and for our club,” the NRL commentator said from the set of QLDER, available on 9Now.