Meninga nominates bolter as JT Test replacement
AUSTRALIAN coach Mal Meninga has nominated a bolter to replace Johnathan Thurston as five-eighth of the Kangaroos.
Thurston injured his calf at the weekend and will most likely miss the Anzac Test early next month.
It means Meninga has to find a new No. 6, and he told Channel Seven Thurston's Cowboys teammate Michael Morgan is right in contention.
"From a pure preparation point of view and cohesion combinations, James Maloney and Michael Morgan are definitely there," Meninga said.
The national coach also backed incumbent Darius Boyd to play fullback next month, despite the return of Billy Slater from injury.
"Obviously in Billy's absence (Boyd was) man of the series in Origin, man of the match in the Four Nations final at fullback, playing good footy, captain of the Broncos," Meninga said.
"There's a few positive marks for Darius to stay at fullback."
