Thurston to Green: Go for Kiwi job

JOHNATHAN Thurston has urged his club coach Paul Green to accept a role with New Zealand, even if his tactical input could threaten the Cowboys champion’s World Cup farewell.

Green will decide this week whether to become Kiwi coach David Kidwell’s right- hand man at a World Cup tournament that will represent Thurston’s international farewell.

The premiership- winning coach is keen to help the Kiwis but concedes a major drawback is the fear of ruining Thurston’s dream of going out as a World Cup winner.

Green could also find himself coaching against several other Cowboys Test stars, including Michael Morgan, Justin O’Neill and Matt Scott if the prop recovers in time from a knee op.

Green has an intimate understanding of Thurston’s game and the Kiwis could leverage that knowledge to topple the Kangaroos.

Thurston said Green should put his professional coaching ambitions first.

“Greeny would bring a lot of experience and structure to the Kiwis,” Thurston said.

“He obviously has a good football brain and tactically he knows the ins and outs of the game and the weaknesses of players. He would be a good addition to the Kiwis.’’

Green is scheduled to meet new NZ campaign manager Shane Richardson, who has a 25- year friendship with the Cowboys coach.

Kidwell conceded he needed help during a formal NZRL review after the Kiwis’ failed Four Nations tournament last November and Green is viewed as the coach with the skills to help win the World Cup.

Maroons halfback Cooper Cronk agreed with Thurston, his Kangaroos scrumbase partner, believing Green would be a major asset to the Kiwis.

“I would have no issues with Paul Green helping New Zealand,” Cronk said.