Titans look to Eagles’ strategy to keep danger man JT quiet
THE Titans are bracing for a Johnathan Thurston rebound after the champion half’s unusually quiet outing in North Queensland’s loss to Manly last week.
The Sea Eagles delivered the Titans a blueprint for success against the undermanned Cowboys, shutting down their forwards to starve champion half Thurston of space and time.
While Thurston made just 35m from five runs last week, the Titans expect him to be itching to lead a Cowboys revival at Robina tonight just days after the birth of his third daughter.
Titans coach Neil Henry, who mentored Thurston for several years in Townsville, said his demeanour changed little after a loss, although his steely determination shone through even more than usual.
“Normally there’s a bit of resilience and determination to get back and get in the winning circle, that’s with any team but more so with Johnathan,’’ Henry said.
“He’ll be looking to come down here and put in a big performance. He’s been very consistent this year and it was a little bit out of character, their performance, I think.
“He’s very much a competitor, we all know that and it’s a very dangerous team with him and (Michael) Morgan. But they’ve had a few changes in their side, they’ve been tested with the loss of Taumalolo and Matt Scott up front, so it’s up to Scott Bolton and (Patrick) Kaufusi really to step up.
“They’ll be looking to bounce back after that loss at home.’’
Captain Kevin Proctor said the Titans could take plenty of confidence from last week’s performance but they should expect a challenge from the Cowboys.
“They’ll be looking to bounce back after last week. They’re a quality side and any side with JT (Thurston) in it is going to be dangerous,’’ Proctor said.
“We’ll just try not to give him so much time with the ball.
“He’s always got so much time with the ball and if we can limit that it might give our edges a chance.’’