Bring in specialist halfback: Langer

Ball- playing forward Asiata has combined with Test star Morgan in the halves the last three games in place of Thurston, with mixed results.

He was strong in his first hitout against St George Illawarra, but produced three errors in North Queensland’s last- start 26- 6 home loss to Parramatta.

The Cowboys are ninth on the ladder with a 5- 4 record, and six of their next eight games are on the road.

“They’ve got to go with a halfback, and ( Cowboys coach) Paul Green as a former halfback would know that,” Langer said. “I think they definitely have to and Asiata can go back to where he was and concentrate on playing good football.

“They find it hard without him but they’ve still got a great squad there and they’ve been there for a number of years.”

The good news for the Cowboys is fullback Lachlan Coote should return from a calf injury in Thursday’s road clash with the Bulldogs, while hooker Jake Granville ( leg) is also a chance. Their return would be a significant boost to their creativity after struggling to score points so far this season.

Coote could be an option to play in the halves, with the inform Kalyn Ponga to stay at fullback.

Storm recruit Ben Hampton has also played in the halves in the past, but he was recently dropped from the NRL side for a match.

However Langer said Morgan had to show more ownership in Thurston’s absence, and is confident he can step up.

“I think Mick Morgan really has to take a stranglehold on them, he’s got to lift,” Langer said.