Brisbane Broncos had meeting with Thurston but decided against tabling offer

JOHNATHAN Thurston’s manager says the Broncos sensationally “dropped off’’ the champion pivot following a secret meeting last year.

JOHNATHAN Thurston’s manager says the Broncos sensationally “dropped off’’ the champion pivot as he weighed up quitting the Cowboys to finish his career at Red Hill.

As Thurston prepares for Friday’s Queensland derby, The Courier-Mail can reveal the contract machinations that saw the Broncos overlook the Maroons ace for the second time in his career.

Thurston signed a $4 million deal with the Cowboys last March, but not before a secret meeting with the Broncos, during which he outlined his genuine interest in returning to Brisbane.

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At the time, the Broncos’ salary-cap position was healthy. They had yet to sign Ben Barba, Anthony Milford and Scott Prince, and within months had received an approach from Penrith to offload halfback Peter Wallace.

Johnathan Thurston on the attack against the Cowboys.

While happy at the Cowboys, Thurston told Broncos powerbrokers he was prepared to move given he and partner Samantha both had family in Brisbane.

But after one meeting at Broncos headquarters, Brisbane surprisingly went cold, leaving Penrith and the Cowboys to fight for the signature of the NRL’s No.1 playmaker.

Speaking for the first time about his talks with the Broncos, Thurston’s manager Sam Ayoub dismissed suggestions the Test pivot used Brisbane as a bargaining chip.

“The Broncos were certainly a club Johnathan was willing to consider,’’ Ayoub said.

“We met with the Broncos. Myself, Johnathan and his partner came down and we had a good chat.

“It never progressed after that, the Broncos never made an offer and I don’t know why. I’m not being critical of the Broncos at all. They did show interest although it never progressed to the offer stage.

“Their decision could have been financial, but they dropped off and JT had since made a decision which proved to be the right one for him.

“If he was to leave Townsville, he had family in Brisbane. There were definite attractions, but we never heard back from the Broncos.’’

The Broncos had a shot at securing Thurston’s services but decided against following up on a meeting with the champion halfback.

Brisbane hierarchy declined to comment last night. But it is understood the Broncos opted not to table a formal offer because they walked away from the meeting convinced Thurston’s heart was with the Cowboys.

It is not the first time Brisbane have missed out on Thurston’s services. As a teenager, Thurston was offered to the Broncos after scoring 20 points for the Queensland under-17s, only to be turned away.

“The Broncos said he’s a good kid, a touch footy player, but he won’t go to the NRL level,’’ Ayoub recalled.

“That’s not a criticism, that was just their opinion.

“JT lacked size, but what he always had over others was his desire, commitment and competitive nature.

“He’s a wonderful example and his loyalty to the Cowboys will be rewarded for life.’’

Having slipped the net, Thurston will attempt to dismantle the Broncos tonight.

“Every team that plays the Cowboys does a lot of homework on Johnathan Thurston and his strengths,’’ Broncos coach Anthony Griffin said.

“Over a long period he has proven he competes for 80 minutes. He can get you by the throat and it’s about trying to limit those strengths.’’