Dynamic Duo’s big day spoiler
THEY’VE formed a dynamic duo on our left edge for years, so it’s a shame a shoulder injury will prevent JT from celebrating a milestone alongside his good mate Gavin Cooper on Saturday.
Cooper is due to play his 250th NRL game against the Panthers, while JT was due to become the 29th player to join the 300 club.
Injury has prevented Johnno ( pictured) from bringing up the triple ton at home, which is disappointing.
He and Coops are very close off the field and it would have been great to see them toast a milestone together.
It’s a big game for Coops and generally there would be a big deal being made out of it this week had it not fallen on the same day as one of the game’s greats.
But he deserves his moment in the spotlight and his teammates will definitely be making a big deal out of it.
It would top off a great week for him after playing in his second Origin game on Wednesday night, and getting the win we way we did coming from behind.
It’s probably been spoken about a lot the last few years he deserves an opportunity, but with the Queensland team being as successful as it is, Coops understood it is hard to change. He got his opportunity in game three last year and did really well, and he was one of our best players I thought on Wednesday night. I’m sure he’s cemented his spot at least for the next game and hopefully next year.
You look at Coops’ work rate, they might have tried to isolate JT in defence but Gav being the type of defender he is he’ll work hard to help someone else out.
Origin III, a decider at Suncorp, is going to be huge. We’ve spoken all year this is going to be JT’s last series and you want to make them special for your teammates.
What he’s done for Queensland is unbelievable and the players will feel they owe it to him to do everything they can to get a win.
We’ve played more games without JT than with him this year and are still travelling all right. Fingers crossed he’ll be back soon.