North Queensland Cowboys captain Johnathan Thurston has paid coach Paul Green the ultimate compliment saying he is the reason the Cowboys are ready to claim their maiden NRL premiership.

“The club has been such a massive part of my life since I moved up here in 2005,” Thurston said on Fox Sports’ NRL 360.

“They helped shape me into the man I am today. Obviously Samantha [partner] as well, since I met her she the reason why my football has gone through the roof.

‘I’ve got two kids now and that gives me that relaxed lifestyle and I’m loving being a father. Life is good, I can’t complain.”

Thurston also said that Green had given the legendary halfback the hunger to chase down a second title.

“Greeny has raised the standards at training,” Thurston continued.

“He changed the culture of the club and the standards have risen on and off the field.

“When he arrived it was like being a part of being a new team, really.

“I had that excitement and hunger back in me. I felt like I was a 21-year-old making my debut again.”