Cooper Cronk says Johnathan Thurston will not make a selfish decision regarding his fitness for State of Origin I

COOPER Cronk is sure about one thing to do with his Queensland halves partner — Johnathan Thurston will not make a selfish decision about his fitness.

Cooper Cronk during the Queensland Origin team's first training session at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. Pics Adam Head

COOPER Cronk is sure about one thing to do with his halves partner of 13 Origin matches — Johnathan Thurston will not make a selfish decision about his fitness.

Cronk plays his 20th Origin match on Wednesday night, the first six were as an interchange player before he succeeded the retiring Darren Lockyer as a starting playmaker.

According to Maroons custom, Cronk, who said he had not decided if this would be his last Origin series, will be presented with the Dick Turner Medal. It is bestowed on all Maroons to reach that landmark game at a team dinner a few days out from the 20th appearance.

“John deserves to get as much time as possible to make a decision, but he’s not a selfish player — in fact quite the opposite,’’ Cronk said.

Cronk and Thurston are two pillars of Queensland’s success.

“He’ll make the right decision. If John turns up, it’s the cherry on top. If not, Anthony Milford will have a 10-day preparation and we’ll be fully prepared.

“Johnathan is very much aware of what he has to do to represent Queensland. He’s done it for 36 games so he won’t put himself in jeopardy.

“If Anthony plays, the reason he’s been selected is he has been doing some really good things for his club. I might have a little conversation about the football aspect of what a first Origin game is like — I’ll help him as much as possible.’’

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Added to the selection choice dynamic is that if Milford is to be released from camp in time for Brisbane’s clash with the Warriors on Saturday night, he would ideally need to board a flight to Auckland no later than Friday morning.

Cronk said he had not spoken to Storm clubmate Billy Slater since the long-serving fullback found out on Monday morning that he had missed selection.

“I sent Billy a text yesterday. From a friend’s point of view, you could understand why Billy would be a little disappointed — he’s put a lot of work in,’’ Cronk said.

“But you can understand, on the other side, where the selectors and Kevin Walters are coming from.

“But as a footballer, trust me, Billy Slater’s best football is not too far away.’’

If Thurston is out, Cronk will need to step things up.

Slater has played nine NRL matches since returning from shoulder surgery.

Coach Walters and selection panel chief Gene Miles said this week Slater would remain in contention for an Origin call-up for Game Two on June 21, especially as he would have had two additional club outings by then.

Cronk said his opposite number Mitchell Pearce warranted his recall to the NSW side on the basis of his club form this year.

“I don’t know Mitchell too much. He’s obviously changed a few things off the paddock and I wish him well,’’ he said.

“Come Wednesday night, what’s happened (in Origin football in the past) doesn’t really play a part — whether you’ve had success or no success, there’s nowhere to hide,’’ he said.