The five things we learnt from Cowboys v Dragons

It was the perfect start for the Cowboys as they face life without Johnathan Thurston, downing the Dragons 24-10. Here’s the five things CHRIS HONNERY learnt from the match.

Michael Morgan was on fire for the Cowboys. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

• MATCH REPORT: Taumalolo tears Dragons apart

• PONGA: The Cowboys almost drove me to the AFL

It was the perfect start for the Cowboys as they face life without Johnathan Thurston, downing the Dragons 24-10. Here’s the five things we learnt from the match.

Long may he reign. Michael Morgan was at his brilliant best against the Dragons. Picture: Ian Hitchcock

Morgo earnt his pay cheque

1. THERE’S life in the Cowboys in the post-JT era with the new “King of the North”, Michael Morgan, showing just why he’s North Queensland’s $5 million man. He was great with the boot, scored himself a try and set up a try for Justin O’Neill in the dying minutes of the game.

Granville misses the pass mark

2. JAKE Granville needs to sharpen his passing game from dummy half. The hooker was able to split open the defence with his running, but often chose the wrong player to pass to in critical moments of the match.

Jason Taumalolo was an absolute beast for the Cowboys. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

Left of centre thinking for big Jason

3. COWBOYS coach Paul Green shouldn’t give up hope of moving Taumalolo to the edge. The Tongan International played a bit of the first half on the left edge and looked damaging. He was back to his barnstorming best, amassing 286 running metres.

Josh McGuire (right) with Gavin Cooper. McGuire faces a nervous wait to see if he’ll play the Broncos. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

McGuire no certainty for Broncos

4. JOSH McGuire could miss out on next week’s blockbuster Queensland derby against his old team if he’s found guilty of a shoulder charge from last night’s match. The former Bronco was penalised early in the second stanza for a hit on one of the Dragons’ forwards.

Ravalawa looks a gun for the Dragons

5. IT’S early days but Dragons debutant winger Mikaele Ravalawa made a strong case of being one of the rookies of the year. He ran for 138m and made 10 tackle breaks.

Originally published as The five things we learnt from Cowboys v Dragons