James Maloney’ heartbreak over Johnathan Thurston’s injury

NSW five-eighth James Maloney says he is shattered to see Johnathan Thurston denied his Origin swan song.

NSW five-eighth James Maloney says he is shattered to see Johnathan Thurston denied his Origin swan song, but admits the champion playmaker’s absence won’t make winning the decider any easier for the Blues.

The rugby league world was in shock on Friday when news emerged that Thurston requires surgery on his shoulder — ruling him out of the Origin decider and destroying his World Cup farewell.

Thurston’s Origin II heroics have come at a huge cost with the Maroons legend to go under the knife after battling a fresh shoulder injury for 50 minutes in Queensland’s 18-16 win at ANZ Stadium on Wednesday.

KING WALLY: Don’t get sucked in by ‘JT bulls**t’

It is understood he faces at least a six-month recovery to ensure he is fully fit for what shapes as his final season in the NRL next season.

After 37 games for the Maroons, including a record 36 straight Origin matches, Thurston’s glittering Origin career is over.

It is a devastating blow for the Maroons, who have lost Thurston and star utility back Darius Boyd (broken thumb) in the last 24 hours.

There is no denying the absence of Thurston and Boyd will hurt Queensland, but Maloney believes it will just add motivation for the Maroons.

“It is not going to make our job any easier whether he (Johnathan) is there or not,” Maloney told The Daily Telegraph.

“It is sort of irrelevant if he is playing or not, because we’ve still got a job to do from a Blues perspective.

“But from the perspective of just being a player, it’s heartbreaking to see a bloke go out like that.

“He has done so much in the game and so much for the game, so best wishes to him.

“It’s so disappointing. He is a champion player and it’s sad to see him miss his last Origin and World Cup.

“That is hard for a bloke like that to take. I feel for him.

“Anyone as a footballer feels for a bloke like that because he is held in very high respect by the players across the game.”

James Maloney says the absence of Johnathan Thurston won’t make things easier for NSW in Origin III. Picture. Phil Hillyard

Thurston’s season-ending injury will also have major implications for the Cowboys and Australia.

North Queensland’s premiership ambitions are in tatters and Australian coach Mal Meninga must find a new five-eighth for the Kangaroos’ World Cup defence starting in October.

Maloney believes Thurston is an Immortal-in-waiting and up there with the best footballer he has played alongside or against.

“Throughout the time I’ve played he would be up there with Smithy (Cameron),” he said.

“I’d say those two are probably the best players I’ve played with and against.

“He is a phenomenal competitor and he has proved himself time and time again on the biggest of stages.

“You can’t help but admire what he has done and the way he has gone about it.”

Meanwhile, Maloney confirmed he is a certain starter for Cronulla’s huge clash against top four aspirants Manly on Sunday.

“Yeah, I’ll be all right to go,” he said.

“I’ve got a few bumps and bruises, but I’ll be all good.”