Cowboys forward Dallas Johnson. Picture: Fiona Harding Source: Townsville Bulletin
OFF-contract Cowboy Dallas Johnson has exceeded all his key performance indicators but his coach says the job is far from over.
The former Test, Queensland and Melbourne Storm lock was the man targeted and recruited by North Queensland coach Neil Henry in 2010 to help build a winning culture at the club.
He was the cornerstone of Henry's plan, which also drafted in premiership players Brent Tate and Glenn Hall, to reinforce the leadership of Johnathan Thurston and Matt Scott.
Having re-signed a bunch of his stars, Henry faces a challenge to keep Johnson in Townsville beyond this year, however the former Herberton junior remains a valued commodity at the club.
"Culture evolves. It's not something you can say it's right and it stays right," Henry said.
"We're at a point where we're comfortable with it but it needs to be constantly observed and reinforced.
"His (Johnson's) standards are very high.
"JT, Brent Tate and Matt Scott are the same. They're professionals who set the bar very high and you can't fault the consistency of their effort or work ethic."
A poker-faced Johnson said he had not yet given any thought to his next contract, or retirement.
"As long as I've still got the urge to keep training and I'm enjoying it, I'll keep playing," the 30-year-old said.
"I don't want to get ahead of myself."
North Queensland and tomorrow night's opponent Newcastle meet after being handed lessons last week by Melbourne and Manly.
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