Johnathan Thurston backs Cowboys coach Paul Green as right man to take over the Maroons

“DOCTOR” Johnathan Thurston has given Cowboys coach Paul Green the all clear to lead the Queensland Origin team.

JT doctorate

“DOCTOR” Johnathan Thurston has given Cowboys coach Paul Green the all clear to lead the Queensland Origin team.

But the man who guided North Queensland to their maiden NRL title this year is still torn over whether he will accept the job.

It has been nearly two weeks since Green was sounded out by the Queensland Rugby League to replace Mal Meninga at the helm of the mighty Maroons.

Green has been in discussions with Cowboys chairman Laurence Lancini and the club’s board, deliberating whether Origin duties would hinder North Queensland’s premiership defence.

Origin is a growing beast with increasing commitments but Green has assembled a support staff, headed by ex-Raiders coach Dave Furner, that could hold the fort in his absence.

Green also has a young family and is determined to make the right decision.

Thurston, who was on Wednesday awarded a Honorary Doctor of Letters by James Cook University for his contributions to the community, said Green was the right man to lead the state.

“He gets the best out of his players,” Thurston said. “He’s a great football brain and more importantly (is) a great bloke.

“Organising things is certainly his strong point so he could handle it. He’s a great people manager. There’s no doubt he could handle it.”

If Green is appointed coach it would likely result in a shake-up to the staff and systems Meninga implemented during his 10-year tenure.

Assistant coach Kevin Walters may leave his role after being overlooked for the top job and Green would look to bring in his own support staff.

Johnathan Thurston pictured with JCU Chancellor, Lt. Gen. John Grey is presented with an honorary doctorate at the JCU graduation to recognise his community work. Picture: Shae Beplate.

“It’s pretty much the same squad that we’ve had for a number of years,” Thurston said.

“He’ll be able to continue that and bring in fresh ideas as well. We’ve had the same coaching staff for the last 10 years. Fresh ideas would be good.”

Just when you thought Thurston had won everything there is to win this year, another award fell his way.

The 32-year-old celebrated his second NRL premiership with a fourth Dally M Medal and third Golden Boot but receiving an award for his off-field work, particularly around indigenous programs, was the perfect way to round out 2015.

“This one probably caps it all off. I’m very proud and humbled to receive this,” Thurston said.

“We’re in a privileged position. I’ll try to use myself to educate the next generation and give them a little bit of advice so they’re making the difference in their own communities.”