Missing Cowboys to take centre stage in final
GAVIN Cooper has declared Johnathan Thurston and Matt Scott will lift the trophy on Sunday if the Cowboys win the grand final, claiming he is just the “stand-in” skipper.
The humble North Queensland forward revealed his plan to honour the club’s co-captains this week, as the team ramp up preparations for a massive Storm showdown.
While Cooper has captained more games this season than Thurston and Scott combined, the pair will take the stage with him this weekend should the Cowboys win.
The 32-year-old said he would rather have his two injured teammates with him on the field on the day.
“I’d much rather have Johnno and Thumper out there on the field,” he said. “I’m the stand-in captain. Yes, I get to lead the boys out but if that time comes to stand up there and hold the trophy, Johnno and Matt will definitely be there.
“I will definitely go up there, but those two will be the first two up.”
Cooper said he had not discussed these plans with Thurston or Scott yet because there was still a lot of work to do.
He said it was an idea that had just come to him on Monday, but he did not want to get too far ahead of himself.
“I haven’t thought about holding the trophy,” he said.
“There’s a lot of stuff to do between now and then. We’re still recovering from a tough game against the Roosters.”
While Cooper has been quick to play down his role as captain this year and still give credit to Thurston and Scott, hooker Jake Granville said the whole side loved to play with the hardworking forward.
“It’s massive for Coops,” Granville said.
“He’s filled that role so well. We’d love for JT and Matty to be there but he’s such a leader for us.”
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