Kangaroos star Johnathan Thurston retiring from representative ranks after World Cup in 2017

KANGAROOS star Johnathan Thurston wants to leave representative footy a World Cup champion as he faces his final year on the international stage.

Kangaroos star Johnathan Thurston retiring from representative ranks after World Cup in 2017. Picture by Andrew Parsons

IN Johnathan Thurston’s mind, he will never return to England as a Kangaroo. Despite being at the top of his game, at 33, he is now facing the prospect of winding down his illustrious career.

He has earmarked next year’s World Cup as his representative swan song before hanging up the boots for good at the end of 2018.

It also means his more than decade-long torment of NSW will continue for just three more games.

“I’ve indicated to (coach) Mal (Meninga) that I’ll put my hand up for the World Cup next year if my form warrants selection,” Thurston said. “I’m keen to play. It’s a goal of mine to get there. I’ve indicated to the Cowboys that I’d like to run around again in 2018. It’ll be a big couple of years.

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Johnathan Thurston look set to retire from rep footy after the World Cup.

“I don’t want to think about it to tell you the truth. It’s a little bit daunting. I’ve created a lot of memories wearing the green and gold and at state level.

“It’s going to be sad when I put those jerseys on for the last time.”

Off contract at the end of next year, Thurston wants to re-sign with the Cowboys for a further season. He has not ruled out extending his stint beyond that.

“You never say never,” Thurston said. “At this stage, I’m looking as though 2018 will be my last. I won’t play representative footy that year. The body might be able to run around again. I also want to finish on my terms.

“I’m taking it year by year at the moment — 2018 will probably be my last. The club are aware I want to run around again.”

Thurston’s exit could spark a mass exodus from a Kangaroos side following next year’s World Cup defence. Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk, Matt Scott and Sam Thaiday will be nudging their mid-30s by the time the 2018 season starts.

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“I’ve had a little bit of a chat to Smithy about it,” Thurston said. “He is aware of my plans.”

Thurston makes his return for the Kangaroos against New Zealand on Sunday morning, after being rested in Australia’s opening Four Nations clash against Scotland. A rare injury ruled him out of the last Four Nations tournament, where the Kiwis beat Australia on their climb to the No. 1-ranked team.

“It was extremely difficult watching the boys go around,” Thurston said. “The Kiwis side played exceptional footy. The more game time they get together the better they get.

“The Kiwis hold the trophy and the No. 1 ranking. It’s a tournament with a lot riding on it.”

Originally published as Kangaroos star Johnathan Thurston retiring from representative ranks after World Cup in 2017