Johnathan Thurston focused on stopping Cowboys suffering wooden spoon ignominy, rather than grand farewell
DESPITE North Queensland’s dramatic fall from grace, Johnathan Thurston says he is at peace with frustrating farewell and will give his all to help the Cowboys avoid the wooden spoon.
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JOHNATHAN Thurston has addressed claims he has played one season too long and says he is at peace knowing he will not get a fairytale premiership farewell.
The Cowboys are in danger of collecting the dreaded wooden spoon following a spectacular fall from grace after making last year’s NRL grand final.
North Queensland is anchored in 15th spot on the ladder with six rounds to go and facing a fight to avoid finishing last.
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The Cowboys’ freefall has been one of the biggest surprises of the season after they were installed as premiership favourites before a ball was kicked.
Coach Paul Green guided North Queensland to a remarkable grand final appearance last year despite co-captains Matt Scott (knee) and Thurston (shoulder) sitting on the sidelines.
With their big guns back on deck, the Cowboys were expected to challenge for a second title in four years, but have instead imploded, winning just four of 18 games.
The 35-year-old Thurston’s dreams of retiring with a third premiership are now dead, but it is a reality the four-time Dally M Medal winner has accepted.
“That’s footy, not all dreams come true,” Thurston told The Courier-Mail.
“I can’t fault the boys. They are continually working hard and turning up to training with the right attitude and doing everything asked of them.
“It’s just one of those years.
“As long as they continue to work hard and fight for everything, that’s all I can ask of them.”
Thurston was restricted to seven NRL games last year after suffering a serious shoulder injury in his 37th, and ultimately last, State of Origin appearance for Queensland.
He required a major reconstruction and while the 317-game veteran has fought back, it became apparent early in the year he was battling to find the form that has made him one of the game’s greatest ever players.
The Cowboys’ struggles compounded Thurston’s form, as nearly every North Queensland player struggled to get going in 2018.
In his 17th season of NRL, questions have been raised about whether Thurston has played for too long, most notably from Penrith legend and Fox Sports commentator Greg Alexander.
The 179cm, 87kg halfback has put his body through the ringer since making his debut for Canterbury in 2002 and the rigours of more than 400 top flight games has taken its toll.
Asked if he had played on for too long, as Alexander suggested, Thurston said: “I obviously would like to be playing better footy.
“We are professional athletes and harsh critics.
“He’s entitled to his opinion. He is a well respected figure in the game. All I can do is continue to work hard and lead by example for the playing group.”
Thurston made his retirement decision last year and has had time to accept it.
His farewell tour is well underway, with the Cowboys having three home games remaining, starting with Friday’s clash against Newcastle at 1300SMILES Stadium.
Thurston will not get the chance to deliver North Queensland a second NRL title in September, but said he would finish his career with the same competitive spirit he has always possessed.
“It’s coming to an end,” Thurston said. “I’ve known since I made the decision last year (so it has sunk in).
“I haven’t really reflected on my career. There is plenty of time for that. I will rock up and work hard and fight for the playing group.
“All I can do is ask the boys to continue to work hard and fight for everything.”
Originally published as Johnathan Thurston focused on stopping Cowboys suffering wooden spoon ignominy, rather than grand farewell