JT tipping Origin lies ahead for Taylor
PETER BADEL AND TRAVIS MEYN JOHNATHAN Thurston predicts Ashley Taylor will play State of Origin as the master and the boom youngster prepare to clash with their finals destiny on the line in Townsville tonight.
Taylor faces the biggest test of his fledgling career when he trades tactical blows with Thurston in tonight’s TitansCowboys derby in Townsville.
Thurston’s Cowboys must win to clinch a top-four berth, while the Titans will qualify for the playoffs for the first time in six years if Taylor orchestrates an upset. Both playmakers will push their bodies to the limit. Thurston is expected to play despite a bout of tonsillitis, while Taylor had a groin injury needled last week to help him through the pain.
The 21-year-old Titans schemer has been one of the finds of the NRL season and Thurston has anointed Taylor as a future Maroon.
“I’ve been really impressed with Ash Taylor, he has all the attributes to play Origin,” said Thurston, who is taking antibiotics to help his recovery.
“The way Taylor is controlling games, we have to watch him. He’s got a great kicking game and he is defending well.
“I have no doubt he will be a star of the future, which is good news for Queensland.’’
Thurston said the Titans were playing “a really good style of football’’ under coach Neil Henry.
On the other side, Henry is well aware of North Queensland’s style.
One of the code’s sharpest tactical minds, Henry spent five seasons at the Cowboys between 2009-13 before being sacked in favour of Paul Green, his coaching opponent tonight.
Henry coached Thurston during his prime years as an Origin and Test playmaker, and the Titans coach is now turning Taylor into a formidable scrumbase force.
Taylor plays just his 22nd NRL game tonight, but said he would not be daunted by a showdown with a playmaking whiz he still studied to this day.
“I idolised JT growing up,” he said. “I love watching the game and him play. He’s been a great indigenous role model for all of us.”
Taylor was humbled by Thurston’s assessment of him as an Origin star in the making. “The Queensland jersey (would be) a massive achievement, hopefully I make it one day,” he said.