Green keeps faith in halves pairing
COWBOYS coach Paul Green is confident star halves pairing Michael Morgan and Johnathan Thurston will soon find their mojo, labelling concerns over their slow start to the year as “ridiculous”.
Morgan revealed after last week’s home loss to Penrith that he had confided in Thurston on what he required from him to improve their combination.
The Cowboys squad returned to training today after four days off to mentally recharge before taking on the unbeaten Warriors in Auckland on Saturday.
North Queensland has lost its past three games but Green is confident it won’t be long until the halves click.
Thurston missed most of last year with a shoulder injury, while Morgan sat out the first two games this season with a stomach issue.
“They’re both good players and there’s no reason to have any doubt about that. It’s a little bit ridiculous to be talking about it, to be honest,” Green said.
“They’re both good players, their combination will click. Morgo’s second game back ( against Penrith), I thought he put himself in the game more than the first game.
“If he keeps improving, eventually it will click for us – and watch out when it does. He ( Morgan) is not confused about his role.
“In some ways they’re too nice for each other, neither one wants to step on the other’s toes.
“They’ve just got to play footy and support each other and help each other – that’s the main issue.”
Scott Bolton returns to the starting side in place of big- name recruit Jordan McLean, who is set to miss at least three months with an ankle injury, with Corey Jensen promoted to the bench.
Fullback Lachlan Coote was named as a reserve after making his return from a hamstring injury for Mackay Cutters last week.
But Green indicated he was most likely to play at least one more Queensland Cup match before being recalled to the NRL.
While the loss of McLean is a big blow, the Cowboys proved they could handle injuries to big names by making last year’s grand final.
“I’ve got full confidence in Bolts. Even coming off the bench last weekend he was one of our best players out there,” Green said.
Green couldn’t confirm whether hooker Josh Chudleigh had ruptured his ACL for a third time in Queens- land Cup last week, but conceded was likely.
Cowboys team to play Warriors: 1 Ben Hampton, 2 Kyle Feldt, 3 Justin O’Neill, 4 Javid Bowen, 5 Antonio Winterstein, 6 Michael Morgan, 7 Johnathan Thurston, 8 Matt Scott, 9 Jake Granville, 10 Scott Bolton, 11 Gavin Cooper, 12 Coen Hess, 13 Jason Taumalolo, 14 Te Maire Martin, 15 John Asiata, 16 Corey Jensen, 17 Ethan Lowe, 18 Francis Molo 19 Lachlan Coote, 20 Enari Tuala, 21 Kyle Laybutt it