Fired up JT blows Bunnies away

NRL: Watch as the video referee makes two controversial calls in the closing stages of the first half between South Sydney and North Queensland

Johnathan Thurston inspired the Cowboys to a big win over the Rabbitohs. Source: Getty Images

IT was billed publicly as Inglis versus Thurston. And up for grabs was the mantle as rugby league's premier player.

Johnathan Thurston, you're the king.

Thurston was simply superb again on Monday night as North Queensland upset premiers South Sydney 30-12 at ANZ Stadium.

As sublime as Inglis can be, it is impossible to place anyone in the game ahead of Thurston at the moment.

Frighteningly for NSW, both are Queenslanders.

Thurston's form is top-shelf as NSW struggle to nail down a halfback and five-eighth this season.

As Immortal Andrew Johns told Triple M on Monday night: "The performance of (incumbent NSW halves) Josh Reynolds and Trent Hodkinson (on Sunday) really worried me. I'm terrified about the form of the halfback and five-eighth of NSW."

Thurston scored two tries and set up another in a scintillating individual performance. You can easily run out of superlatives to describe Thurston.

Antonio Winterstein is wrapped up by the Rabbitohs' defence. Source: News Corp Australia

Many speak of his attacking brilliance but few recognise Thurston's toughness. Gorden Tallis rates Thurston the toughest player in the NRL.

Thurston takes the ball to the line week after week, season after season. He gets whacked, smashed and belted yet continues to star in one of the world's most physically ferocious sports.

Inglis was good again on Monday night, no doubt.

These two, it would seem, will battle and jostle throughout the season as the game's two premier players.

Inglis though is just a magic performance or two from reclaiming top spot.

North Queensland have now won three successive games, all on Monday nights. It was the Cowboys' fourth straight win over Souths.

They are a side that could prove extremely dangerous in September, given they don't cop another refereeing howler. The Cowboys have one of the best balanced sides in the NRL.

Souths' loss means Brisbane is now outright competition leaders after six rounds.

The Rabbitohs led 12-4 at half-time before North Queensland scored in the opening minute of the second half to put some zing back into the game.

Who would you give three Dally M points to?

From there it was one-sided.

A penalty goal to Thurston soon after levelled the scores at 12-all before the visitors hit the front for the first time in the 65th minute when winger Antonio Winterstein flashed over out wide.

Thurston landed another sideline conversion, North Queensland having scored 14 points in opening 15 minutes of the second half.

North Queensland then went on with the job to destroy Souths.

South Sydney could not have started in a more impressive way by scoring in just the second minute of play. And it was soft too.

Rabbitohs forward Dave Tyrrell surged over from first receiver to stun the Cowboys. Issac Luke converted to give Souths a 6-0 lead.

Jason Taumalolo had a superb game for the Cowboys. Source: News Corp Australia

North Queensland though didn't let the try upset them.

Only six minutes later the Cowboys scored their first try through replacement winger Justin O'Neill, who outleapt Souths winger Alex Johnston to catch a Thurston bomb on the full to score.

Souths kicked further ahead midway through the first half when North Queensland fumbled to send Souths on the attack. From the next play, Glenn Stewart and Greg Inglis sent Johnston over in the corner. Luke converted to give his side a 12-4 lead.

That was the end of Souths' joy.

North Queensland had a try disallowed right on half-time for obstruction. It was a 50/50 call, most on social media blowing up about the decision.

NORTH QUEENSLAND 30 (J Thurston 2 J Granville J O'Neill A Winterstein tries J Thurston 5 goals) bt SOUTH SYDNEY 12 (A Johnston D Tyrrell tries I Luke 2 goals) at ANZ Stadium. Referee: Alan Shortall, Adam Devcich. Crowd: 13,866.

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Originally published as Fired up JT blows Bunnies away

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