Victory without JT a huge relief for Cowboys
THE Cowboys’ record without Johnathan Thurston has long been a monkey on their backs. For halves partner Michael Morgan, it was more like a gorilla.
But after proving once and for all he doesn’t need his right- hand man to fire in Thursday’s 30- 14 victory against Canterbury, the relief he’s shed that burden was palpable.
The five- eighth took more ownership with Thurston sidelined with a shoulder injury and enhanced his prospects of a maiden starting berth for the Maroons in the process.
Morgan finished with a try and four try assists through kicks in a man- of- the- match display just when the Cowboys badly needed it after winning just one match of three without Thurston, against strugglers Newcastle, this year.
“I was just saying I feel about 10 kilos lighter,” Morgan said.
“It’s always been spoken about us not being able to score points without Johnno, so to be able to do that was good.
“I was more on the ball than I have been with him out. Johnny ( Asiata) was doing more of that but this week it was my responsibility, and I was more than happy to do it.”
The 25- year- old said being in camp with Australia last week allowed him to clear his mind and strip back his game to the basics that make him tick.
Some advice from Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga, who told him to get back to basics, did the trick.
“I really enjoyed the week away. I used it to get away from the talk that was happening about how and I and the Cowboys were playing.
“I came back with a clearer mind and a bit more confidence.
“He ( Meninga) told me to go back to what I do well and keep things simple. He told me don’t overthink things, which I was probably doing.
“It’s very simple information but it helped a lot.”
Morgan is confident he has what it takes to replace Thurston in the starting side should he be ruled out of the State of Origin opener in Brisbane on May 31.
Two of his main rivals in Anthony Milford and Daly CherryEvans will go head- to- head in tonight’s Brisbane- Manly clash at Suncorp Stadium.
“I’d like to think so, you always want to back yourself and have confidence,” Morgan said.
“Personally I still hope Johnno plays, he’s played 36 ( Origins) in a row and it’d be a shame to see him miss one ( in his farewell series).
“I know it ( Origin) been spoken about a bit, but because I haven’t been happy with my form I haven’t been thinking much about it.”
Cowboys coach Paul Green said he was pleased with Morgan’s willingness to take on the responsibility of controlling the team.
“I was really proud of his game tonight, I thought he came back from that week in camp with a lot of confidence,” Green said.
“He wanted to step up and run the show, and I thought he did that.”