Thurston Cowboys' deputy sheriff

[DIEHARD]

The meteoric rise of class half Johnathan Thurston continued today when the 2005 Dally M player of the year was named North Queensland Cowboys deputy skipper.

Travis Norton retained the captaincy after steering the Cowboys to its maiden NRL grand final last year, one it lost to fellow surprise packet Wests Tigers.

In only his second season with North Queensland, Thurston, 22, replaced incumbent vice-captain, towering New Zealand prop Paul Rauhihi who has left for English club Warrington.

It added to Thurston's charmed run since relocating from the Bulldogs late in 2004.

Frustrated at not being able to crack a starting berth at the Canterbury side, Brisbane-born Thurston took a punt and was thrust into the Cowboys' starting outfit in 2005.

Used at halfback and pivot by North Queensland, Thurston revelled in his new freedom and capped a brilliant Cowboys debut season by holding out Andrew Johns for the Dally M medal before chiming into the side's gutsy ride to the grand final.

The Cowboys' board today accepted coach Graham Murray's recommendation that Norton and Thurston be named as the club's leaders for 2006.

"Travis Norton will captain the side as he has done for the past couple of years but due to the fact that he will not be on the field all of the time, it is important that everyone including players and officials understand that Johnathan Thurston will fill that role," Murray said.

"Both players have great leadership qualities and will direct the team well both on and off the field."

The Cowboys had their first skills session for the new year this week.
Despite their long Christmas-New Year break and wet weather playing havoc with their training venues, Norton said they would be ready for the opening round game against Brisbane in about two months.

Source: http://www.news.com.au

[DeeGan]

What a meteoric rise from Thurston!

2004: Utility player Canterbury
2005: Half/Five eight for NQ Cowboys, QLD Maroon half, Dally M Player of the Year
2006: Named Vice Captain for NQ Cowboys

The green and gold of Australia may just be around the corner for the young superstar.

DeeGan

[DIEHARD]

Green and gold jerseys certainly are up for grabs, especially in the current climate.

[Moejoe]

No one deserves this accolade more than thurston. He played an Awsome 2005 season, And things are looking good for 06'. As for the green and gold, I would imagine so... Just in a few years, With a few more origins under his belt.

[Queenslander]

This man is on fire, he will be in the green and gold before we know it!