Sam Thaiday's Origin II absence means Maroons star Johnathan Thurston is on hunt for new bodyguard

JOHNATHAN Thurston expects to be whacked by NSW's hitmen in Origin II, but has backed teammates to stand up for him in the Sam Thaiday's absence.

QUEENSLAND five-eighth Johnathan Thurston is expecting to be whacked by NSW's posse of hitmen in Origin II, but has backed teammates to stand up for him in the absence of enforcer Sam Thaiday.

Thurston admitted Thaiday's loss with a shoulder injury would make life more difficult for him on the right edge where the Broncos skipper traditionally patrols.

Having played under NSW coach Ricky Stuart in Australian sides, Thurston knows what is coming.

"No doubt I get targeted, especially when I am wearing a Maroons jersey, and I don't think that's going to change," he said at Coolum.

"I've played under Sticky (Stuart) and I know what he likes to do. He likes to put pressure on the opposing halves and nothing's going to change there."

NSW lock Greg Bird gave Thurston a torrid time when they clashed in the Titans-Cowboys match on the Gold Coast last weekend, and the Blues have made it clear Bird will do more of the same at ANZ Stadium on Wednesday.

"I think I'm always Birdie's favourite. Gal's (Paul Gallen) and Choc's (Anthony Watmough) too," Thurston said.

"The list goes on. I guess we'll find out on Wednesday."

Thurston also copped a punch from NSW winger Jarryd Hayne in Origin I when Thurston had the Parramatta star pinned on the ground.

"It's part of the game, I suppose," Thurston said.

"He (Hayne) got a cheap one in there. I thought I would have got a penalty from it. I tried milking it, but nothing happened."

Thurston said Thaiday would be missed.

"Sam is the type of guy who puts the team first," he said. "Corey (Parker) comes in now and he's got to do a job.

"He (Thaiday) has been an important member of the team for a number of years.

"He gets through a lot of work and certainly holds it together on that right edge. It's going to be a big blow.

"We're like a big family here and we watch each other's backs that's for sure, and that's not going to change.

"If anything ever happens, the boys will do what they usually do."