Morgo primed to call shots
JOHNATHAN Thurston has revealed the Cowboys are revamping their attack this season to install $ 5 million man Michael Morgan as the new playmaking king in Townsville.
The Bulletin can reveal Thurston will take a back seat to unleash Morgan as the Cowboys’ chief shot caller on offensive plays – starting this Friday in the NRL premiership opener against Cronulla at 1300SMILES Stadium.
Thurston has been the Cowboys’ main man for 12 years, but the North Queensland champion says he has no issue playing second fiddle to ensure Morgan develops into the club’s next great playmaker.
Thurston says the Cowboys have rejigged their offensive structures over summer to give Morgan more responsibility.
“Off the field we have seen how much he has grown over the past year and part of his development is to make sure he doesn’t take a back seat to me,” Thurston said.
“We have come up with a few new structures to try and get the best out of the playing group … if guys see an opportunity, make sure they get the ball in their hands.
“I’ve spoken about it with ‘ Morgo’, it’s very important for his development that he doesn’t ( defer to Thurston in attack).
“While we have seen how good Morgo was and how we have worked together for the Cowboys, I want to get the best out of him this year. There were examples the other week ( in the Thurston- Cameron Smith testimonial game).”
Morgan last year showed why he will become one of the greats of the game after he stepped up massively following a season- ending injury to halves partner Thurston.
While it was a burden at the time, and many outsiders thought the Cowboys would suffer without their main playmaker, Morgan silenced the doubters and led North Queensland all the way to the grand final.