A handful of training sessions have been enough to convince Queensland great Johnathan Thurston that Corey Norman is the man to step up in the Maroons No.6 jersey.
Thurston admitted the entire Queensland team was on notice ahead of July 10's State of Origin series decider after an "un-Maroon-like" display in their horror 38-6 game two loss to NSW in Perth.
But Thurston had no problem with Norman stepping up as Queensland five-eighth on Origin debut in Sydney after witnessing the St George Illawarra playmaker take charge at training.
Maroons assistant Thurston has been working closely with Norman since the Dragons X-factor was drafted into the side after a backline reshuffle following fullback Kalyn Ponga's withdrawal with a calf injury.
Regular Maroons pivot Cameron Munster has been slotted into fullback for the decider, opening the door for Norman to make his Origin debut at 27 in the halves.
It appeared a big risk.
But Thurston - one of the Maroons' greatest five-eighths thanks to a stellar 37-game Origin career - was quick to confirm the Dragons star was worthy of the Queensland No.6 jersey, tipping him to be the difference in game three.
"Corey Norman is making his debut but he has a lot of talk out there (at training), getting players around him, making sure they are running the right lines and letting them know what he needs from those players," Thurston told QRL website.
"I have been really impressed with him.
"He's got a lot of first grade experience under his belt and been knocking on the door now for a couple of years - I am really happy for him."
Norman has been a sponge around Thurston at Camp Maroon as Queensland look to respond following a "brutal" video review of NSW's game two rout.
"Our effort area was really poor (in game two), it was a very un-Maroon-like performance," Thurston said.
"They have had a very harsh and honest review. Now that has been put to bed they have trained really well.
"Hopefully it will be better in game three. No doubt it will be.
"But they have come flying out of the blocks at training. The ball is in their court now so I am really confident they will get the job done."
Another who has impressed Thurston is Norman's halves partner, captain Daly Cherry-Evans.
"He is the right choice (as captain) for this side now. He needs to now that but I think he does - I have been really impressed with his leadership," Thurston said.
"He doesn't talk just for the sake of it but he is very direct and gets his point across extremely well - that's what you want from your leader.
"He's cool, clam and collected which is vital when you are on the footy field - I have been very impressed with him."
