Martin to blossom under JT

Penrith great Greg Alexander believes Johnathan Thurston’s mentorship of Te Maire Martin can help the youngster emulate Brodie Croft’s stunning rise under Cooper Cronk at Melbourne Storm.

Martin, 21, will make his Cowboys debut against Canberra tonight after Thurston was ruled out with a season-ending shoulder injury.

The five-eighth’s move from the Panthers couldn’t have been more timely and he has the chance to cement the Cowboys’ No.6 jersey for the rest of the season.

Alexander was adamant Martin’s fall from grace at Penrith was due to Matt Moylan’s shift from fullback to five- eighth proving an instant success.

Martin will partner Queensland Origin hero Michael Morgan in the halves against the Raiders, the sixth halves partnership the Cowboys have fielded so far this year.

It’s in stark contrast to the previous two seasons where, bar representative football and the odd minor injury, Morgan and Thurston have been mainstays.

But Alexander has no doubt Martin can forge a long first-grade career. Having a four-time Dally M Medallist in his corner is a huge headstart.

Martin arrived in Townsville expecting to soak up Thurston’s wisdom until his planned retirement at the end of next year, but his injury has accelerated the timeline.

Thurston had successful surgery on his right shoulder on Thursday and faces a sixth-month recovery period before his expected swansong season next year.

The Cowboys have made a pact not to use Canberra’s bitter cold as an excuse against the Raiders, with the temperature at kick-off set to plummet to the lowest seen in the NRL for at least five years.

Former Junior Kangaroos skipper Croft has played just three NRL matches, but the young halfback has already proven he’s inherited mentor Cronk’s composure under pressure by slotting the winning field goal in golden point against the Cowboys a fortnight ago.

“(Thurston’s guidance) will be great for Te Maire. We’ve seen what Brodie Croft has been able to do under Cooper Cronk,” Alexander said.

“While Te Maire may not have had the length of time (under Thurston) Croft has had under Cronk, it will be terrific for him to have JT in his corner.

“It’s certainly no slight on his ability that Penrith let him go. The thought of (developing) two young halves (with Nathan Cleary) was probably going to take longer than they really had.

“He’s very composed and very skilful, he likes to play at the line and I think he’ll have a long first grade career.

“He could be one of the really good halves in the competition if it all fits into place for him.”

Cowboys assistant coach Todd Payten coached Martin at Wests Tigers and tried valiantly to sign him in 2015, before he opted for the Panthers.