‘ Rusty’ JT eager to improve
COWBOYS No. 7 Johnathan Thurston has passed the first test of his reconstructed shoulder with flying colours but admitted he’s a long way from his best.
The legendary halfback said it took 25 minutes to find his confidence — although that didn’t seem the case two minutes in when he put his body on the line and dived to ground to secure a loose Tigers pass.
The 34- year- old was understandably rusty after so long out of action, with his own errant pass leading to the Tigers’ second try as they ran away with a 30- 16 win.
Thurston did show positive signs in his final 15 minutes of his 40- minute stint, finding his range with his kicking game and getting more involved in the defensive line.
While he gave the tick of approval on his shoulder, he was far from happy with his contribution.
Thurston said “everything” had to improve going into the club’s next trial against the Storm, which will double as testimonial match for the Cowboys co- captain and his long- time Queensland counterpart Cameron Smith.
“I was obviously very rusty, out of whack the first 20, 25 minutes but I was happy with the back end of that first half, made a few more tackles and got a bit more confidence,” he said.
“There’s a lot of hard work to do.
“I’ve got a few days to rip in with the boys and get it right in a week’s time.”