Greg Inglis and Johnathan Thurston to square off in halves as Rabbitohs take on Cowboys

MONDAY nights don’t get any bigger — superstars Greg Inglis and Johnathan Thurston getting the rare chance to square off against each other in the halves.

Greg Inglis at Rabbitohs training at Redfern Park.

MONDAY nights don’t get any bigger — superstars Greg Inglis and Johnathan Thurston getting the rare chance to square off against each other in the halves.

Inglis is sure to pop up at five-eighth for the premiers at various stages on Monday night during their bumper clash against a rejuvenated North Queensland Cowboys.

The loss of John Sutton means South Sydney coach Michael Maguire will turn to Inglis at various stages to plug the No. 6 slot.

He has also hinted Cameron McInnes could be used as a halves partner to Luke Keary.

But seeing Inglis and Thurston go head to head in the middle will be worth the admission to ANZ Stadium alone.

You have to wonder who deserves top billing when it comes to NSW-born and bred “GI”, or cheeky Queenslander and three-time Dally M Medal winner “JT”?

Greg Inglis is set to play five-eighth.

Only 33 votes separated them during voting for the Indigenous All Stars clash earlier this year.

Ask Thurston and he’ll give you a surprise answer.

“I think it’s hard to go past GI’s form when it comes to the best player in the game at the moment. But if you’re talking the best player the past few years, it’s hard to go past ‘Smithy’ (Cameron Smith),’’ Thurston told The Daily Telegraph.

“I played a fair bit of footy with Locky (Darren Lockyer), and apart from Locky, I’ve never known a person like Smithy who can play a game and be so influential in it.

“But GI has been outstanding. Captaincy is obviously agreeing with him, and his game has gone to another level.’’

Thurston wasn’t fazed by the match-up with Inglis in the halves. It’s been trotted out on several occasions already that Inglis won the Clive Churchill Medal at five-eighth for Melbourne.

Thurston pointed out any shift of Inglis from fullback could even benefit North Queensland.

Johnathan Thurston could line up against Greg Inglis. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“He’s a big part of getting their sets started with his kick returns, and his quick play-the-balls for his back five to play off the back of, and that would be a loss for them if he plays in the front line,’’ Thurston said.

“But he is comfortable in that (No. 6) role. He’s big enough and strong enough to defend there. Souths are strong on the edges, and he’ll have plenty of talk around him to assist him with that.

“But our game plan won’t change because he’s in the front line.’’

A knee injury to Adam Reynolds, and the fact Inglis and possibly McInnes will slot into five-eighth, North Queensland are entitled to feel they’re a red-hot chance to dust the premiers.

After three straight losses, the Cowboys bounced back with two convincing Monday night wins, largely because of Thurston.

The forgotten story of any positional switch by Inglis will be Alex Johnston being given a crack at fullback, which excites Bunnies teammate Chris McQueen.

The chance to play starting fullback could even lure Johnston away from Redfern at season’s end.

“Alex Johnston has been going great on the wing for us, he got picked for Australia last year, and his preferred position is fullback,’’ McQueen said.

“We’re only enhancing his opportunities and giving him a better opportunity to play some footy if we put him back there.’’

Originally published as Greg Inglis and Johnathan Thurston to square off in halves as Rabbitohs take on Cowboys