The name on everyone’s lips at Dairy Farmers Stadium on Saturday night will be Aaron Payne as the retiring North Queensland hooker plays what may be his last home game for the Cowboys.
But North Queensland captain Johnathan Thurston has another on his mind ahead of the crunch NRL clash that will help determine their top-four chances – and possibly end Newcastle’s finals hopes.
Still cringing from a luncheon held in his honour on Thursday, the modest Payne will reluctantly take centre stage again this weekend after TV ads urged Cowboys fans to pack Dairy Farmers Stadium as a show of thanks to the departing 32-year-old.
However, Thurston would not be surprised if Newcastle flyer Akuila Uate crashed the party as the Knights desperately look to extend coach Wayne Bennett’s remarkable record of 20 consecutive finals series.
Thurston could find no solace in helping Queensland exploit Uate at Origin level this year, resulting in the Fijian-born try-machine being axed by NSW for the series decider.
The Cowboys talisman said the Test winger had taken his game to another level since his Origin disappointment.
Indeed he has – Uate needs two more four-pointers to join former St George Illawarra star Nathan Blacklock (1998-2001) as the only men to have scored 20 tries in three straight series.
He is averaging 147 metres per game and scored his 18 tries in just 20 games.
“He has certainly bounced back. He is probably playing some of the best footy he has played,” Thurston said on Friday.
“He is a pretty smart winger. He knows when to jam and when to stand back.”
Asked how to combat Uate, Thurston laughed: “We will be trying to kick to the other side.”
But it seems that will provide no respite after another ex-Blues winger James McManus was cleared to play following a five-game sideline stint nursing a fractured eye socket – a point not lost on Thurston.
“We will throw traffic at both sides but they have two handy wingers there who can make some pretty good decisions – they play smart,” he said.
McManus averages 117 metres a game and has scored 10 tries in 17 games.
One of five sides vying for the last two finals spots, Newcastle (11th; 10-12) not only need to win but win well to remain in the finals race due to their minus 20 points difference.
The Cowboys have won six of their last seven home games but won’t be taking anything for granted against a Knights side that are on a 4-2 run, losing only to powerhouses Manly and the Bulldogs.
Thurston shuddered at the thought of Newcastle blocking out all distractions and just playing footy.
“That probably makes them more of a dangerous side, having no consequences to face out on the field – it will be danger game for us,” he said.
