RUGBY LEAGUE
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Veteran forward George Rose is warning his Dragons teammates not to view Johnathan Thurston's absence as a free kick when they take on the Cowboys.
Thurston will miss Saturday's game at WIN Stadium due to State of Origin, while a number of other North Queensland stars are also unavailable.
Matt Scott and Michael Morgan will join Thurston in Queensland camp, while big bopper James Tamou is representing NSW.
The Dragons, meanwhile, have Trent Merrin and Josh Dugan missing through Origin duties.
Thurston is widely considered the best player in rugby league, and has single-handedly steered the Cowboys to victory on a number of occasions.
He has manufactured some unlikely comeback wins this year alone.
His omission has tipped in the odds in St George Illawarra's favour ahead of Saturday's showdown.
But Rose knows just how good Thurston's replacement can be.
"They've got guys like Robert Lui who can come in," Rose said.
"He hasn't been playing a lot of footy but he's been one of the better halves in the comp for a few seasons.
"He's a player who is capable of really turning a game."
Rose believes Thurston's absence will benefit the Dragons in several ways.
He says the coaching and playing group has been able to concentrate on the Cowboys as a team rather than an individual.
"Usually when you play Johnathan Thurston you spend 90 per cent of your week studying his game," Rose said.
"It's good that we can focus on every player now, because there's a lot of talent in that squad.
"It's definitely not a team to be taking lightly."
Even with Thurston missing, North Queensland loom as a threat to the Dragons' top four spot.
The Cowboys won 12 games in a row before losing to Cronulla last week.
They led the Sharks 18-0 at half-time and were, seemingly, in cruise control but failed to deliver the killer blow and lost 24-18.
Creagh knows how important this game is.
"It's going to be a big test for us, but I think it gives an opportunity to a lot of guys who have been playing well in the Cutters to step up and show their wares," Creagh added.