Johnathan Thurston wants the NRL to protect playmakers from late hits

JOHNATHAN Thurston has reignited calls for the NRL’s little men to be protected from cheap shot merchants ahead of his highly-anticipated return.

JOHNATHAN Thurston has reignited calls for the NRL’s little men to be protected from cheap shot merchants ahead of his highly-anticipated return.

Thurston will return to the field for the first time in 241 days when he plays in North Queensland’s trial against the Wests Tigers in Cairns tonight.

The Cowboys halfback missed most of last season after having to undergo a shoulder reconstruction following his State of Origin heroics.

Thurston, 34, has been the leading voice in a push for playmakers to be better protected from late tackles.

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Injured Cowboys captain Johnathan Thurston is helped from the field.

And while he is confident his shoulder will hold up to the rigours of a 17th NRL season, Thurston refuses to remain silent in his campaign for better protection.

“If a player is taking the ball into the line and gets hit when he’s passing it, that’s fair play, but it’s when you pass the ball and relax then three seconds later you get whiplash,” he said.

“That’s what we need to protect all players from.

“It (shoulder) will be fine (if I’m targeted). That’s just part of footy.

“I’m a little bit nervous coming back from a major injury (but) I’ve done all the work so in my own mind I know I’ll be right.

“It’s been a long journey and tough journey but there is light at the end of the tunnel now.

“I’ve put all the hard work in the bank now and I’m looking forward to play.”

Thurston has put his shoulder through the ringer to prove he is ready for a full-blown return to the NRL.

He received a clearance from his surgeon on Thursday and is hoping to play about 30 minutes against the Tigers in what will be his first match since Origin II last year.

“Everything I’ve been asked to do I’ve been able to do,” he said.

Johnathan Thurston wants more protection for playmakers.

“That’s what’s given me the confidence to go out there and play.

“I’ve had to do a fair bit of contact on the bigger boys and the shoulder pulled up fine from that.”

Thurston’s return coincides with that of fellow co-captain Matt Scott.

Scott has been sidelined since Round 2 last year when he ruptured his ACL in the Queensland derby against the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium.

While he was a chance of returning during North Queensland’s finals campaign last year, Scott hasn’t played in 344 days and is itching to get on the field.

“It’s been a while so I’m really looking forward to it,” he said.

“I’m at the stage where I just really want to get this first game out of the road and have a good solid hitout.

“It’s been a long time coming. Anyone who’s had a long-term injury knows it’s a little bit frustrating,.

“It’s been a pretty long road back but I can’t wait to play.”

The Cowboys’ final trial will be next Friday’s testimonial for Thurston and Storm skipper Cameron Smith at Suncorp Stadium.