GOSFORD, NSW - North Queensland and Canterbury confirmed just how valuable their respective stars are on Saturday night, with Cowboys maestro Johnathan Thurston guiding his team to a 24-12 NRL win over the Ben Barba-less Bulldogs.
The off-contract Thurston took no time showing why he's the most sought-after man in the NRL, setting up three tries in a master-class performance, the first inside the opening 60 seconds of the Cowboys' season in Gosford.
Canterbury were without seven players from last year's grand final-qualifying team but it was no surprise the most significant absentee was Barba, who is out of the game indefinitely as he battles personal issues.
The Bulldogs soldiered on without forwards James Graham (suspended), Sam Kasiano and Frank Pritchard (both injured), but sorely missed the match-turning ability of Barba and the confidence he brings the team.