Salary cap saga puts Johnathan Thurston deal in limbo

JOHNATHAN Thurston admits his contract saga could drag into the season as more issues arise with the collective bargaining agreement.

JOHNATHAN Thurston admits his contract saga could drag into the season as more issues arise with the collective bargaining agreement.

It is understood several playing groups among NRL clubs are still unhappy with the proposed salary cap and a sign-off is unlikely in the next six weeks.

Some club officials are also seeking changes to the suggested marquee allowance figure of $550,000.

Thurston will not only have to steer North Queensland to a crucial fast start in the NRL, but at the same time ensure the biggest contract of his career is resolved.

Thurston insists the issue will not distract him from the Cowboys' premiership mission.

"This is my 12th season coming up, I know what to do," Thurston said. "I know how to make sure it does not distract me.

"I'm not getting pressured from anyone to make a decision, so once I know what's out there then I will assess and make my decision.

"The way the game's gone, you have to look after yourself."

Thurston's manager Sam Ayoub confirmed his client's contract talks were on hold until the new problems with the CBA were resolved.

It was initially hoped the CBA would be finalised before Christmas after a meeting in mid-December saw the players, clubs and ARL Commission agree on several issues.

"There are likely to still be changes to the CBA," Ayoub said. "Johnathan would like to have it resolved but it is difficult to complete negotiations when you don't have a budget to work with.

"There's a lot of things to weigh up here, not just money. We want this done but there's not a lot we can do at present."

Thurston was speaking yesterday at the naming of the All Stars teams for the Suncorp Stadium game on February 9.

He will captain the Indigenous team, which boasts Queensland talent Greg Inglis, Ben Barba, Scott Prince and Justin Hodges.

Indigenous and NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley said his State of Origin playbook would be open for the Queenslanders.

"It's great because you get the benefit of working with the best players and that helps with your performances," Daley said.

"You have a look at what goes on but they get a great opportunity to see what they'll be up against (in Origin).

"They're very competitive and want to win so they will hold nothing back."

Bolter Willie Mason has won his first representative jersey since 2010.

Newcastle and NRL All Stars coach Wayne Bennett said the controversial Knights front-rower has justified his selection both on and off the field.

"A lot of coaches are not going to give him a lot of wraps and some have criticised him but I've found him really good," Bennett said.