In an attempt to reverse their fortunes, following some poor years in the NRL, the North Queensland Cowboys have named Jonathon Thurston and prop Matthew Scott as co-captains for 2011.
Scott has been elevated to the leadership group, and has been rewarded, but Thurston is expected to take on the senior role of being the vocal captain on the field.
Thurston has welcomed the decision to have another co-captain, so that he is not burdened by having to deal with the added load, and can focus on his play-making during games.
“Working alongside Scotty will really relieve some of the pressure that comes with captaining an NRL side and it allows us both to really focus on our efforts on the field,” Thurston said.
“I think I speak for the whole team when I say that he is one of the most respected boys in the squad – he’s really grown in confidence and stature as a player and I know I’m looking forward to hitting the field with him this year.”
With the dual partnership in place, it will mean that off-field commitments can be shared between the two, a move which Cowboys coach Neil Henry hopes that it will be a form reversal in 2011.
“I am very happy with the calibre of the candidates in our leadership group and in the end I felt it was appropriate to name two captains, both of whom are outstanding members of the team,” Henry explained.
“I really think that Johnathan and Matthew can learn a lot from each other and our team and our club can only benefit from that.”