North Queensland Cowboys star Johnathan Thurston says he has ‘more to give’

NORTH QUEENSLAND Cowboys star Johnathan Thurston has delivered a stinging critique of his form, admitting his option-taking isn’t good enough.

North Queensland Cowboys captain Johnathan Thurston says he has more to give. Picture: Getty Images

JOHNATHAN Thurston has delivered a stinging critique of his form, admitting his option-taking isn’t good enough as he prepares for a playmaking duel with Warriors whiz Shaun Johnson.

The Cowboys were outgunned in the Queensland derby, with Thurston admitting their spine – comprising himself, Ray Thompson, Michael Morgan and Robert Lui – lost control in their 16-12 loss to the Broncos.

A fortnight ago Broncos legend Darren Lockyer called on Thurston to be a more dominant playmaker, winning games not on solo brilliance but by applying sustained pressure.

While he threatened Brisbane at times, Thurston lamented his lack of authority and says he must lift his game this Saturday night to nullify a Johnson-inspired Warriors team.

“I’ve got more to give,’’ said Thurston, who missed five tackles in the Broncos defeat.

“I went in and out of the game and I need to learn to control the game a bit more and steer the boys around a bit better than I did against the Broncos.

News_Image_File: Thurston is wary of elusive Warriors star Shaun Johnson. Picture: Getty Images

“It doesn’t help when our completion rate is not high and you have to defend so much off the back of errors.

“But the Warriors are a dangerous side and they will be very confident of coming to Townsville and knocking us off.

“Shaun Johnson is a freak. He’s the reason why people come through the gates and if we are 5 or 10 per cent off our game, he will make sure we get beaten again.’’

The Queensland champion admits he is still adjusting to life without Matt Bowen, his long-time attacking partner-in-crime who retired from the NRL at the end of last season.

In the absence of Bowen, Thurston challenged the likes of halfback Lui, hooker Thompson and new fullback Morgan to provide North Queensland more creative options in attack.

But the Test pivot says ultimately, given his representative pedigree, the buck stops with him.

“That’s my role in the team,’’ he said.

“It’s my job to be controlling the tempo of games and knowing when to take the right options.

“It wasn’t good enough (against the Broncos) and there were a few times when I put the team under the pump. Robbie, ‘Morgo’, Ray and myself all have to be better there.

“Mango (Bowen) was a great friend of mine and I miss him as a mate as well as a footballer. But we have to move on now. He is playing with Wigan and life has begun without him.

“Morgo is doing a good job at the back and the more time he spends there the better he will be.

“We were disappointed with the Broncos result but it was a reflection of how we played. We need to look at our ball control and be a lot better there.’’