NRL: Forward battle key to Warriors victory - McFadden

Johnathan Thurston of the Cowboys will be one to watch in this weeks clash with the Warriors. Photo / Getty Images

Cowboys captain Johnathan Thurston will have to be watched but Warriors coach Andrew McFadden believes the forward battle will be the key to deciding Saturday's NRL clash in Townsville.

The North Queensland halfback has been in sublime form in recent weeks as the Cowboys worked to revive their season with three straight victories after starting their campaign with a hat-trick of defeats.

McFadden believes the strong performances of the Cowboys pack have enabled Thurston to shine and says the Warriors will have their hands full containing the likes of Kangaroos front-row duo Matt Scott and James Tamou.

"The reason he's (Thurston) playing so well is probably the quality of their forward pack and what they're doing," McFadden said.

"They're in red hot form at the moment and probably in the form that's made them one of the favourites for the competition.

"It's going to be a big challenge but I know out pack is up for it. Our forward pack has been probably the real strength for us all season so far so we've got an expectation about what they can do.

"I know they're young kids as well [but] they're fearless kids so they'll take them head on. I think we can get the job done."

Thurston was at his inspirational best for the Cowboys in Monday's 30-12 win over reigning premiers South Sydney, leading them back from a 4-12 halftime deficit and finishing the match with two tries and five goals from six attempts.

McFadden said reducing the effectiveness of his running, passing and pin-point kicking game would require a collective effort from his troops.

"You've got to handle him as a team, you can't worry about him individually," he said.

"Obviously we need to put pressure on him but it's not just the kick it's the chasers that make the kick as well.

"We'll focus on that but it will have to be a team effort to stop it."

McFadden was satisfied with the progress his side made in Saturday's win over the Tigers but admitted the ease with which James Tedesco and Tim Simona slipped through out wide to score two tries was a concern.

"It's something we've got to address that's for sure. We spend a lot of time putting pressure on the opposition and we sometimes just give it away too easily.

"We gave them too many easy points on the weekend through simple missed tackles and just making errors. If we can just tidy that part of our game up that will really help us."

McFadden downplayed the significance of the Cowboy's short five-day turn-around and expects them to be on top of their game for Thurston's 250th NRL appearance.

"I don't think it will make a difference. They'll be riding really high on their win on Monday night and obviously it's a milestone game for Jonathan up there so they'll be ready to go."