Johnathan Thurston's season-ending shoulder injury was one of the best things for Michael Morgan's career development, the firing North Queensland halfback admits.
Morgan landed his first NRL field goal in Sunday's elimination final win over Cronulla, to keep the Cowboys' fairytale run alive.
Written off by all and sundry when Thurston was ruled out for the season in June, the Cowboys have won six of 11 games since then and are now just two victories from a grand final.
In Thurston's absence, Morgan has enjoyed the best individual year of his time at the Cowboys with a career-high 21 try assists as well as 16 line-break assists and 78 tackle busts
And as much as he would rather have the club's co-captain alongside him, Morgan admitted he had to see the silver lining when Thurston was injured.
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"I knew that I had to take on that responsibility for the team and I've enjoyed it too," Morgan said.
"It's been maybe a blessing in disguise and maybe given me that opportunity.
"From where I am in my career I had to take it that way. I'm 25 years old and it's been a good opportunity to develop as a player."
Thurston has played just seven games this season as he battled a number of injuries.
He injured his calf in early April against Wests Tigers and didn't play for North Queensland again before he injured his shoulder while playing for Australia the next month.
He then returned to flog Parramatta and prove himself fit for Queensland's must-win second State of Origin clash, when his season was officially ended.
But Morgan revealed how much of an influence the club's greatest ever player was still having over his play on a weekly basis.
"He definitely helps," Morgan said.
"He comes out on the training field and this week he worded me up, gave me a few tips.
"But the good thing is he helps with my game. He doesn't try and make me be like him or anything like that."
Thurston's absence could also pave the way for Morgan to become the Australia's chief No.6 for the end-of-season World Cup.
Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga admitted last week that players' performance in the finals would form part of his decision when he selects the squad, and Morgan knocked one of his chief rivals out of further September action in James Maloney on Sunday.
"If that comes along I would be stoked but at the moment, that's something that can take care of itself if we go further," Morgan said.
"It's not something I've thought about at all. I've been asked once or twice but I haven't gone into a week or a game thinking I have to impress the Kangaroos selectors.
"But if the opportunities come along I would love to take it."
