cphil83
10-06-2006, 10:35 AM
Thurston told: Take control in Origin II
Friday, June 9, 2006 - 10:00 PM
Queensland coach Mal Meninga has called on halfback Johnathan Thurston to take on a more dominant role during Wednesday night's crucial State of Origin game.
With the interstate series on the line after the Maroons lost the first match against NSW 17-16, Meninga believes it's time for the skilful Cowboy to step up and take some of the heat away from five eighth Darren Lockyer.
"I've talked to Mal during the last few days and he's drummed it into me that I need to be a bit more dominant and that's what I intend to do," Thurston said.
Thurston believes Lockyer was unfairly lambasted following Queensland's opening game loss even though the man himself this week publicly accepted blame for not leading a side that contained seven rookies - better.
"Locky received a fair bit of flak and I think a lot of it was unfair," Thurston said.
"He's very professional and he handles it well.
"We had seven debutants and we needed those leaders and Locky has taken it personally ... that's the way the man is.
"I'm sure he'll come out firing on Wednesday night."
Thurston said he and Lockyer were starved of opportunities in Sydney but felt a better start on Wednesday night in front of a packed home crowd would help them send the series into a third game decider in Melbourne next month.
"The way the game went (in Sydney) we had limited opportunities. Hopefully we can get a better start and that will give us a bit more room to work," he said.
"We seemed like we were tackling forever in Sydney.
"Our pack is a little bigger than the first game and if we get an even share of possession and not dig ourselves into a hole by turning the ball over like we did in Sydney, anything can happen."
Despite the sides splitting the last 14 games at Suncorp Stadium/Lang Park Thurston still feels the home ground will help Queensland's cause.
"I can't wait because I think it will be a full house and the majority of them will be maroon supporters," he said.
"They reckon it's not the same (as the early Origin days), but running out there certainly lifts you."
The Maroons were buoyed on Friday by a sparkling training effort by centre Justin Hodges, who cast aside any concerns about a hamstring injury at the team's closed session.
"He looked very sharp," said Queensland media manager and former Origin five-eighth Ben Ikin,
"He was very impressive."
Forward Nate Myles (virus) also trained after being rested on Thursday.
Source: AAP
Friday, June 9, 2006 - 10:00 PM
Queensland coach Mal Meninga has called on halfback Johnathan Thurston to take on a more dominant role during Wednesday night's crucial State of Origin game.
With the interstate series on the line after the Maroons lost the first match against NSW 17-16, Meninga believes it's time for the skilful Cowboy to step up and take some of the heat away from five eighth Darren Lockyer.
"I've talked to Mal during the last few days and he's drummed it into me that I need to be a bit more dominant and that's what I intend to do," Thurston said.
Thurston believes Lockyer was unfairly lambasted following Queensland's opening game loss even though the man himself this week publicly accepted blame for not leading a side that contained seven rookies - better.
"Locky received a fair bit of flak and I think a lot of it was unfair," Thurston said.
"He's very professional and he handles it well.
"We had seven debutants and we needed those leaders and Locky has taken it personally ... that's the way the man is.
"I'm sure he'll come out firing on Wednesday night."
Thurston said he and Lockyer were starved of opportunities in Sydney but felt a better start on Wednesday night in front of a packed home crowd would help them send the series into a third game decider in Melbourne next month.
"The way the game went (in Sydney) we had limited opportunities. Hopefully we can get a better start and that will give us a bit more room to work," he said.
"We seemed like we were tackling forever in Sydney.
"Our pack is a little bigger than the first game and if we get an even share of possession and not dig ourselves into a hole by turning the ball over like we did in Sydney, anything can happen."
Despite the sides splitting the last 14 games at Suncorp Stadium/Lang Park Thurston still feels the home ground will help Queensland's cause.
"I can't wait because I think it will be a full house and the majority of them will be maroon supporters," he said.
"They reckon it's not the same (as the early Origin days), but running out there certainly lifts you."
The Maroons were buoyed on Friday by a sparkling training effort by centre Justin Hodges, who cast aside any concerns about a hamstring injury at the team's closed session.
"He looked very sharp," said Queensland media manager and former Origin five-eighth Ben Ikin,
"He was very impressive."
Forward Nate Myles (virus) also trained after being rested on Thursday.
Source: AAP