Laybutt on radar as Green considers halfback role

COWBOYS coach Paul Green could take a punt on rookie half Kyle Laybutt for Thursday’s clash against the Bulldogs, as the club sweats on injured star Johnathan Thurston.

The veteran playmaker will find out today how much damage has been done to his shoulder after he injured it in Friday’s Anzac Test.

While some reports have indicated it’s a grade two tear, the Kangaroos and Cowboys say it is too early to tell.

But even with a grade one tear, Thurston could miss at least two weeks of game time.

This will mean the Cowboys will have to make a decision on how they cover his absence going forward, with the current combination of Michael Morgan and John Asiata not working for the club.

With fullback Lachlan Coote and hooker Jake Granville both a chance of returning this week from their injuries, Green said they would look at all options.

One option is young Townsville half Laybutt, who yesterday starred for the Queensland Residents against NSW.

Laybutt was a contender to replace Thurston when he suffered a calf injury early last month, but missed out to Asiata.

His chance at his NRL debut could come again this week with Green confirming the 21- year- old is in the mix.

“We’ll look at all of our options there,” Green said.

“Kyle will come into the mix there but it does depend on other positions.”

The reason Laybutt missed out on his debut last month was because he was battling a knee injury.

But the Bundaberg product said there were no concerns over his fitness now and he was ready to take that next step.

“I’ll take it, definitely,” he said.

“It would be an honour to play for the Cowboys. I put my best foot forward ( yesterday), so I just have to hope for the best now ... The knee is holding up and I’m confident.”

Green would not comment on Thurston yesterday but did say the co- captain came to an afternoon training session.