Fresh from a weekend off, North Queensland have insisted they are not sweating on Johnathan Thurston's return as they look to rectify their dire home NRL form.
Queensland playmaker Thurston is aiming for a June 10 return against Parramatta, after being ruled out of Wednesday night's State of Origin opener with a shoulder injury.
But Cowboys forward Jason Taumalolo said they backed themselves to lift without their prized half against Gold Coast on Saturday night, after relishing last round's bye.
"Having JT there will add that bit of polish," Taumalolo said.
"When he will be back, I don't know. Until then the boys will be working hard."
Taumalolo said the revitalised Cowboys were also inspired to help their Origin contingent - Michael Morgan and Justin O'Neill - back up against the Titans in Townsville.
"The four-day break was something the boys had been looking forward to," he said.
"Personally it was much needed for myself mentally and physically.
"It has been a pretty hectic workload the last few games and I am now refreshed for the next half (of the season).
"And it was good to get a break and refresh so we can back up the Origin boys."
Despite Thurston's absence, Taumalolo said the Cowboys were determined to reverse their fortunes at home.
North Queensland have lost two of their past three home games and three of six overall this year.
"Home is where we pride ourselves," Taumalolo said.
"Teams that do travel up here know how much of a tough game it is and for a couple of games there we have let them off the hook.
"Hopefully that doesn't happen again for the rest of the season."
Share
