gong_eagle
First Grade
- Messages
- 7,655
Thurston in doubt for clash with Broncos
July 12, 2007 - 6:17PM
North Queensland will likely give skipper Johnathan Thurston until just hours before kick-off to prove his fitness for Friday night's Cowboys-Brisbane NRL blockbuster.
But the star halfback is believed to be fighting a losing battle in trying to overcome a hip flexor injury for the clash of the Queensland club heavyweights at Dairy Farmers Stadium.
While bookmakers claimed they had received a flood of money against the Cowboys with Thurston in doubt, North Queensland coach Graham Murray said the team's medical staff could leave a decision on his skipper's fitness until match day.
The Cowboys, though, have received some good news, with veteran centre Paul Bowman overcoming a minor leg injury.
Brisbane have had their own injury concerns of late, with stars Brent Tate and Justin Hodges both out with knee injuries, but they will have enough depth to cover their absences.
Cowboys forward Carl Webb said the Dairy Farmers clash, which sold out on Thursday, would have a State of Origin atmosphere with several Queensland team-mates going up against each other.
After being in the trenches with Broncos hardmen Tonie Carroll and Petero Civoniceva for Queensland last week, Webb knows what to expect.
"We all know what Petero is going to do, he has been solid all year and it's going to be no different tomorrow night," said Webb who's expecting his former NRL club to come out breathing fire.
"Tonie Carroll has been playing well, he has scored six or seven tries in the last seven games and he's pretty damaging on his edge and in defence."
Murray said the key to victory over a resurgent Brisbane, who have now won four straight, was maintaining his side's improved defence.
The Cowboys have won their last three games against Brisbane, but Murray issued them with a reminder that the Broncos still hold the upper hand head-to-head.
"I did remind the boys they are probably 11-4 in front so we have got to keep chipping away at that," he said.
Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett conceded it was not possible to shut brilliant Cowboys fullback Matt Bowen out of the game.
"It's not totally possible," he said.
"You have to limit his opportunities as much as possible and minimise what he does.
"If you do that, you give yourself a chance but he's such a wonderful player he can create anything from nowhere.
"You have to be on your toes for 80 minutes with him.
Lasseters' betting manager Gerard Daffy said the street corner tip was that Thurston would not play. He said a flood of money for Brisbane accompanied the Thurston rumour.
His agency immediately reversed their game odds with the Broncos firming from $2.00 into $1.80 and the Cowboys blowing out from $1.85 to $2.03.
Gold Coast halfback Scott Prince looks a far better chance to play.
© 2007 AAP
Broncos by 40 if he pulls out
July 12, 2007 - 6:17PM
North Queensland will likely give skipper Johnathan Thurston until just hours before kick-off to prove his fitness for Friday night's Cowboys-Brisbane NRL blockbuster.
But the star halfback is believed to be fighting a losing battle in trying to overcome a hip flexor injury for the clash of the Queensland club heavyweights at Dairy Farmers Stadium.
While bookmakers claimed they had received a flood of money against the Cowboys with Thurston in doubt, North Queensland coach Graham Murray said the team's medical staff could leave a decision on his skipper's fitness until match day.
The Cowboys, though, have received some good news, with veteran centre Paul Bowman overcoming a minor leg injury.
Brisbane have had their own injury concerns of late, with stars Brent Tate and Justin Hodges both out with knee injuries, but they will have enough depth to cover their absences.
Cowboys forward Carl Webb said the Dairy Farmers clash, which sold out on Thursday, would have a State of Origin atmosphere with several Queensland team-mates going up against each other.
After being in the trenches with Broncos hardmen Tonie Carroll and Petero Civoniceva for Queensland last week, Webb knows what to expect.
"We all know what Petero is going to do, he has been solid all year and it's going to be no different tomorrow night," said Webb who's expecting his former NRL club to come out breathing fire.
"Tonie Carroll has been playing well, he has scored six or seven tries in the last seven games and he's pretty damaging on his edge and in defence."
Murray said the key to victory over a resurgent Brisbane, who have now won four straight, was maintaining his side's improved defence.
The Cowboys have won their last three games against Brisbane, but Murray issued them with a reminder that the Broncos still hold the upper hand head-to-head.
"I did remind the boys they are probably 11-4 in front so we have got to keep chipping away at that," he said.
Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett conceded it was not possible to shut brilliant Cowboys fullback Matt Bowen out of the game.
"It's not totally possible," he said.
"You have to limit his opportunities as much as possible and minimise what he does.
"If you do that, you give yourself a chance but he's such a wonderful player he can create anything from nowhere.
"You have to be on your toes for 80 minutes with him.
Lasseters' betting manager Gerard Daffy said the street corner tip was that Thurston would not play. He said a flood of money for Brisbane accompanied the Thurston rumour.
His agency immediately reversed their game odds with the Broncos firming from $2.00 into $1.80 and the Cowboys blowing out from $1.85 to $2.03.
Gold Coast halfback Scott Prince looks a far better chance to play.
© 2007 AAP
Broncos by 40 if he pulls out
