Thurston trying to fix flaws in attack
COWBOYS champion Johnathan Thurston has conceded he’s not happy with certain aspects of his game as he and halves partner Michael Morgan look to iron out their early- season kinks.
Aside from a superb second half in the Round 2 loss to Brisbane, Thurston has been well contained by rivals in his first four matches back from shoulder surgery.
Thurston urged the Cowboys, looking to break a three- game losing streak against the unbeaten Warriors in Auckland on Saturday, to eventually play more expansively as they find their feet.
The four- time Dally M medallist has a hit list of aspects of his game he wants to improve before his blockbuster halfback battle with Warriors linchpin Shaun Johnson.
“It ( pace of game) has been challenging but I’m glad to be back around the boys and playing footy,” Thurston said.
“There’s some areas I need to be better at.
“Definitely getting my defence right and my fifth- tackle options, ( as well as) my kick selection, there’s a few things to work on.”
Penrith’s line speed successfully starved Thurston of time and space in last week’s 33- 14 home loss.
The 34- year- old confirmed he had spoken at length with Morgan on how they could enhance each other’s best assets in their reunited halves partnership.
“We’ve had a nice chat during the week and certainly we’re trying to put some structures there where we can get the best out of each other,” Thurston said.
“( With teams rushing up) I just need to be better prepared, get a bit more depth and get the ball earlier.
“I could be used as a decoy as well, it’s playing with eyes up and executing the plays.”
Some experts including former halfback great Peter Sterling, have branded the Cowboys’ attack predictable at times this year.
Asked if the Cowboys were playing too structured, Thurston said: “Both sides of the ruck we’ve got Morgo and ( fullback) Benny Hampton who can worry teams with their speed, and ball running as well.
“They’ve got great vision and it’s not just on them to play eyes up. If our big boys see an opportunity to pass or play out the back or tip it on, the coaching staff encourage us to do that.
“Once we get our completion rate up to a high enough level, the confidence will come through and we’ll be able to play more expansive footy.”
Thurston attributed much of the Warriors’ resurgence to five- eighth Blake Green, who had given them much- needed direction and composure since joining from Manly.
“It’s no coincidence that wherever Blake Green goes, teams are having success,” Thurston said.
“He’s freed up Johnson to do what he does best.”
Saturday’s kick- off is 5.30pm.