JT ready to shoulder the load
TENNIS NOVAK Djokovic has made a stunning return to tennis but he was hesitant to declare that his elbow is 100 per cent fit.
The 12-time grand slam winner – who had not played a competitive COWBOYS star Johnathan Thurston has declared his right shoulder 100 per cent fit for 2018, quashing rumours of delays in his recovery from the career-threatening injury.
The legendary halfback told the Cairns Post he had been thrust into full contact in Townsville this week and was making the most of a rare full preseason.
“My shoulder has 100 per cent full strength in it, and I just started contact this week,” Thurston said.
“I’ll slowly start more contact as we get closer to trials. So I’m doing full contact.”
But the 36-year-old remained coy on whether he had put his hand up to play in the Cowboys’ trial match against Wests Tigers at Barlow Park on February 17,
Thurston would at least be expected to play in the club’s final trial against the Storm on February 23 — a testimonial match for the champion No. 7 and former Queensland and Kangaroos teammate Cameron Smith.
“I spoke to coaching staff on what trials I want to be a part of,” he said.
“It’s nice we get to take a trial game to Cairns. We get a great following in Cairns and we also have a game throughout the year up there.”
Thurston said he was approaching his final season “like I have the last 15 years” and said there was a lot of football to be played before he could entertain any thought of a dream finish to his NRL career. CONTINUED PAGE 32