Knowing there's just one more game should be enough to lift North Queensland again for what Paul Green admits will be a sad farewell for Johnathan Thurston.
The Cowboys rode the wave of public sentiment last Friday to blitz Parramatta in the champion's Townsville swansong.
They will need to shake off any emotional hangover on the Gold Coast this Saturday as the star half bids goodbye to his playing days.
Green is confident that, in front of an historic sell-out crowd, they'll be up for the occasion against the Titans.
"The players did a really good job last week of making sure they prepared really well but enjoyed the occasion as well," the coach said.
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"That's the blue print for us this week.
"It's only one game, if they are feeling any effects ... we all know it's one game and I'd be surprised if they can't get up for it again.
"I think while there will always be a touch of sadness when the curtain finally draws he's probably looking forward to the next part of life too."
Green has dropped rookie Jake Clifford with Te Maire Martin (ankle) set to return from injury to partner Thurston in the halves while Ben Hampton earns another chance to impress at fullback.
The coach had been buoyed by Clifford's steady development and hopes he shows his class while steering feeder team the Northern Pride through a Queensland Cup finals campaign.
"That could be just as beneficial for him," Green said.
