Another Twitter spray could be directed at Brian Smith if Cronulla captain Paul Gallen helps derail North Queensland’s unlikely NRL finals tilt on Sunday.
Cowboys co-captain Johnathan Thurston on Wednesday didn’t sound excited by the prospect of Gallen being fired up by a social media exchange with the ex-NRL coach ahead of their cut-throat clash.
Smith had a crack at Gallen following his man-of-the-match effort in Cronulla’s shock 32-22 win over Sydney Roosters on Monday night, accusing the Sharks hardman of avoiding Dylan Napa after the young forward delivered a huge hit.
It emerged that Gallen’s father Garry was the author of the resulting Twitter exchange with Smith but the Sharks captain was clearly not happy, saying he wanted nothing to do with the former Eels, Roosters, Newcastle and Dragons mentor.
Thurston – who delivered an Instagram spray to ASADA officers who woke his infant daughter with an early morning visit this year – may be tempted to deliver another at Smith if Gallen emerges fired up on Sunday.
Thurston hoped Gallen’s legendary toughness being called into question by Smith did not work against them as they tried to keep their top eight hopes on life support.
“I have played alongside Gal (for Australia) so I know exactly how tough he is and hopefully he is not running at me,” Thurston said.
“They had a good win on Monday night and no doubt it will be a tough afternoon at Shark Park.
“But we are confident in the way we are playing that we can get the job done (but) it’s not going to be easy.”
North Queensland remarkably have not lost a game since coach Neil Henry was told his services will not be required at the end of the season.
Four straight victories have lifted the Cowboys to eighth spot but Thurston was not counting his blessings ahead of must-win games against Cronulla and the Wests Tigers still remaining.
“Not really. I know we are in the eight at the moment but there is still two games to go,” Thurston said.
“If we lose our finals chances are just about diminished.
“We are approaching it like the last four weeks.”