Granty
21-05-2006, 01:25 AM
http://www.thesundaymail.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,19201539%255E2764,00.html
You'll run the show
GREG DAVIS
21may06
MAROONS rugby league captain Darren Lockyer (pictured) says halfback Johnathan Thurston will be calling the shots for Queensland's dynamic duo in State of Origin I on Wedneday night.
Lockyer said Thurston was capable of taking the interstate grudge match by the scruff of the neck, in the same way that Andrew Johns dictated terms for Australia in this month's ANZAC Test.
With Johns in control against the Kiwis, Lockyer flourished in a more traditional five-eighth's role, before being shifted to fullback late.
The Queensland skipper has been in stellar form for the Broncos over the past month, with less playmaking responsibilities on his shoulders.
In their fourth Origin match as a halves pairing, Lockyer said he was looking forward to the Cowboy star dominating proceedings at Sydney's Telstra Stadium.
"I've had a good chat with Johnathan since we got into camp, and he has obviously come a long way with his footy in the past 12 months," Lockyer said.
"He will take more of the role of being the director out there.
"He's playing halfback, so he's the man to get the team around the park. His kicking game and organisational play will be vital for us.
"He does that for the Cowboys every week and does it very well, so there's no reason why he can't do it for Queensland too. He's ready to go to that level. Anyone who has seen the bloke play this year knows that – his form has been sensational.
"Last year was Johnathan's first series with the Queensland team, so he probably felt that he wanted to just ease his way into it a bit.
"He didn't want to tread on anyone's toes I suppose, but a year on he probably feels more comfortable in the Queensland team.
"That will help him play even better, which is a massive bonus for us."
Lockyer said he was happy with the form he was taking into his ninth Origin series.
But he knows he has to be at his best to lead Queensland to victory.
"I've been pleased with how I'm going, but it's a different ball game in Origin," he said.
"You still have to lift and take your game to a complete other level.
"I know as one of the most experienced guys in the side, I have to make sure everything stays on track."
Thurston said making his international debut in the Anzac Test this month alongside Lockyer and Johns had been a major confidence boost.
He is ready to put the experience to good use.
Having the 2005 Origin series under his belt would also provide valuable insight in the heat of the battle this year.
"Origins are very quick, so anytime you can give the boys a breather it's always good," Thurston said.
"But there's a few things I've picked up on that will come into good use out there on Wednesday night.
"I had a great week preparing for the Test and I want to try to have the same preparation for the Origin too.
"The way guys like Joey (Johns) and Locky prepare themselves for the big games is something I want to try and do as well.
"Playing inside Locky last year was great and I'm looking forward to our combination getting even better."
Former Queensland captain Wally Lewis said the Lockyer-Thurston halves pairing could give the Maroons the edge in the series opener.
Poor form, injuries and representative retirements forced NSW to go for Craig Gower and Braith Anasta as the Blues' halves combination while Queensland has two playmakers in red-hot form.
"They (Lockyer and Thurston) are two very exciting players that dominate throughout the season, so there's certainly no reason why they can't continue that form into Origin," Lewis said.
"It is probably going to be one of our greatest strengths for this game in particular because they are great strike players.
"They have 10 days in camp to build on the combination from last season.
"That will only allow their understanding to flourish and hopefully reach unparalleled heights. That improvement is going to be expected by the coaching staff and the players themselves.
"I'm sure they'll have a great deal of belief in each other and their confidence will only soar."
You'll run the show
GREG DAVIS
21may06
MAROONS rugby league captain Darren Lockyer (pictured) says halfback Johnathan Thurston will be calling the shots for Queensland's dynamic duo in State of Origin I on Wedneday night.
Lockyer said Thurston was capable of taking the interstate grudge match by the scruff of the neck, in the same way that Andrew Johns dictated terms for Australia in this month's ANZAC Test.
With Johns in control against the Kiwis, Lockyer flourished in a more traditional five-eighth's role, before being shifted to fullback late.
The Queensland skipper has been in stellar form for the Broncos over the past month, with less playmaking responsibilities on his shoulders.
In their fourth Origin match as a halves pairing, Lockyer said he was looking forward to the Cowboy star dominating proceedings at Sydney's Telstra Stadium.
"I've had a good chat with Johnathan since we got into camp, and he has obviously come a long way with his footy in the past 12 months," Lockyer said.
"He will take more of the role of being the director out there.
"He's playing halfback, so he's the man to get the team around the park. His kicking game and organisational play will be vital for us.
"He does that for the Cowboys every week and does it very well, so there's no reason why he can't do it for Queensland too. He's ready to go to that level. Anyone who has seen the bloke play this year knows that – his form has been sensational.
"Last year was Johnathan's first series with the Queensland team, so he probably felt that he wanted to just ease his way into it a bit.
"He didn't want to tread on anyone's toes I suppose, but a year on he probably feels more comfortable in the Queensland team.
"That will help him play even better, which is a massive bonus for us."
Lockyer said he was happy with the form he was taking into his ninth Origin series.
But he knows he has to be at his best to lead Queensland to victory.
"I've been pleased with how I'm going, but it's a different ball game in Origin," he said.
"You still have to lift and take your game to a complete other level.
"I know as one of the most experienced guys in the side, I have to make sure everything stays on track."
Thurston said making his international debut in the Anzac Test this month alongside Lockyer and Johns had been a major confidence boost.
He is ready to put the experience to good use.
Having the 2005 Origin series under his belt would also provide valuable insight in the heat of the battle this year.
"Origins are very quick, so anytime you can give the boys a breather it's always good," Thurston said.
"But there's a few things I've picked up on that will come into good use out there on Wednesday night.
"I had a great week preparing for the Test and I want to try to have the same preparation for the Origin too.
"The way guys like Joey (Johns) and Locky prepare themselves for the big games is something I want to try and do as well.
"Playing inside Locky last year was great and I'm looking forward to our combination getting even better."
Former Queensland captain Wally Lewis said the Lockyer-Thurston halves pairing could give the Maroons the edge in the series opener.
Poor form, injuries and representative retirements forced NSW to go for Craig Gower and Braith Anasta as the Blues' halves combination while Queensland has two playmakers in red-hot form.
"They (Lockyer and Thurston) are two very exciting players that dominate throughout the season, so there's certainly no reason why they can't continue that form into Origin," Lewis said.
"It is probably going to be one of our greatest strengths for this game in particular because they are great strike players.
"They have 10 days in camp to build on the combination from last season.
"That will only allow their understanding to flourish and hopefully reach unparalleled heights. That improvement is going to be expected by the coaching staff and the players themselves.
"I'm sure they'll have a great deal of belief in each other and their confidence will only soar."