Thurston and Scott to skipper Cowboys

Johnathan Thurston has been named North Queensland co-captain alongside prop Matthew Scott for the 2011 season.

The decision to elevate two players as captains is a new one from coach Neil Henry, who says Thurston and Scott were the obvious choices.

“I am very happy with the calibre of the candidates in our leadership group and in the end I felt it was appropriate to name two captains, both of whom are outstanding members of the team,” he said.

“I really think that Johnathan and Matthew can learn a lot from each other and our team and our club can only benefit from that.”

Thurston says he is looking forward to working with the 25-year-old Queensland Origin player, as the Cowboys look to improve on a dismal 2010 season.

“Working alongside Scotty will really relieve some of the pressure that comes with captaining an NRL side and it allows us both to really focus on our efforts on the field,” Thurston said.

“I think I speak for the whole team when I say that he is one of the most respected boys in the squad – he’s really grown in confidence and stature as a player and I know I’m looking forward to hitting the field with him this year.”

Scott meanwhile, says the pair will complement each other well.

“I think this co-captaincy has given us a goal in that we both know what our job is and we’re both good at different things, but I think together we can lead the team and get the club moving in the right direction,” he said.