Johnathan Thurston confirms 2018 NRL season will be his last
JOHNATHAN Thurston has addressed speculation around his playing future, finally revealing whether 2018 will be his final season in the NRL.
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JOHNATHAN Thurston has quashed speculation around his playing future, declaring 2018 will definitely be his final season in the NRL.
Thurston is set to play his first match in 241 days when he returns from a shoulder reconstruction in North Queensland’s trial against the Wests Tigers in Cairns on Saturday.
While he may only make a short cameo at Barlow Park, the game will kickstart Thurston’s farewell season.
At 34, Thurston has decided this will be his 17th and final season in the NRL.
He has already retired from the representative arena, meaning he will not play for Queensland in this year’s State of Origin series.
Thurston’s manager Sam Ayoub last week left the door open for the champion halfback to possibly play on in 2019.
However not even a fifth Dally M Medal this year would convince the 299-game NRL veteran to continue his career.
“No way – I am done and dusted after this year,” Thurston told The Courier-Mail.
“I have 100 per cent (come to terms with retiring).
“I’ve got another chapter waiting for me when I finish, and I’m looking forward to that.”
Thurston may only make two appearances at Suncorp Stadium, the venue of many a Queensland highlight, this season.
The first of those will be on Friday week, when the Cowboys and Storm clash in a grand final rematch, a testimonial for Thurston and Maroons captain Cameron Smith.
While Smith will play for Queensland this year and is expected to continue his career into 2019, Thurston said he had no regrets about farewelling the Maroons after 37 Origins.
“Not at all - I’m comfortable with the decision I’ve made,” he said.
“It’s time to hand the baton over to someone else.
“We’re very blessed in that area. We’ve got some great players coming through that are chomping at the bit.”
Thurston will play his 300th NRL match in North Queensland’s season opener against Cronulla in Townsville on March 9.
The fanfare around his final season will be impossible to ignore, but Thurston is determined to ensure it does not distract the highly-rated Cowboys in their premiership quest.
“Nothing has changed for me,” he said.
“I will still apply myself to the best of my ability at training and around the place.
“Just because it’s my last year, I’m not going out to put any extra pressure on myself or the team. We just need to continue to get better.”
The Cowboys made a fairytale run to last year’s grand final despite missing injured co-captains Matt Scott and Thurston.
With their leaders back on deck, North Queensland are expected to be a premiership contender again in 2018.
But the challenge for the Cowboys is to remain motivated, according to Broncos legend Darren Lockyer.
“JT tries his guts out every year and if he knows it’s his last year then he will go hard,” Lockyer said.
“Every play always counts but he will lift himself again.
“He will be one of the Cowboys’ best in 2018.
“The difficult part for the Cowboys will be trying to get the rest of those guys up.
“I know they didn’t win the premiership but the effort to get to the grand final was enormous and a lot of praise was given to that team. When you get a lot of praise it’s very hard to stay hungry and motivated.”
Tickets for “A Night With Cameron and JT” are available at ticketek.com.au
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