Maroons star Johnathan Thurston has indicated he will be fit for State of Origin
MAROONS star Johnathan Thurston has indicated he will be fit for State of Origin, despite sitting out Thursday night’s Cowboys clash against Cronulla
Blues
Don't miss out on the headlines from Blues. Followed categories will be added to My News.
MAROONS star Johnathan Thurston has indicated he will be fit for State of Origin.
Thurston sat out Thursday night’s Cowboys clash against Cronulla at Southern Cross Group Stadium because of a shoulder injury he suffered in the recent Anzac Test.
The four-time Dally M medallist has been racing the clock to prove his fitness for the May 31 Origin opener at Suncorp Stadium.
However he has given the strongest indication yet that he will line up for his 37th consecutive appearance for Queensland.
JET: Blues must pick Roberts, says Bennett
ORIGIN: Queensland at war over Milford
“It’s pretty good. I was very close (to playing),” Thurston told ABC Grandstand. “I would certainly be 100 per cent if we were playing next week.
“I’ve still got a couple of little fitness tests to get through to make sure I’ve got the full strength back in my shoulder.
“Things are looking on the way up. I would have been back next week.”
Thurston has 13 days to regain full strength in his shoulder and was thought to be touch-and-go for Origin I at Suncorp Stadium.
A further injury could rule him out of the rest of the 2017 season and Thurston said he would not risk playing if he wasn’t fully fit.
“It’s a balancing act at my age,” he said.
“I’ve reassured the club that if I’m not 100 per cent to go for Origin I will stand down and put the team first.
“The team will be the focus when we get into camp. If I’m not right I will make that decision on what’s best for myself and this year.
“If I hurt it any more it could be season-ending which is something I don’t want with such a big year ahead.”
If Thurston is ruled out, Cowboys teammate Michael Morgan is expected to partner Cooper Cronk in the halves for Queensland.
Originally published as Maroons star Johnathan Thurston has indicated he will be fit for State of Origin
Push for Ivan Cleary to coach NSW Blues is over
The NSW Blues’ coaching options are dwindling fast with Penrith premiership coach Ivan Cleary the latest big-name candidate to withdraw from the race. See the contenders to replace Michael Maguire.
Storm coach puts end date on career
Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy has opened up on his future and putting a potential finishing date on his legendary career.