Benny wants answer on JT

STATE OF ORIGIN

to comment when contacted last night. But the Broncos coach is believed to be seething over Queensland’s handling of the Milford affair and the changing deadline surrounding Thurston.

Walters insists he is not misleading Bennett, saying Thurston has earned the right as a Maroons great to be given every opportunity to play his 37th consecutive Origin game.

“I would like to play,” Thurston said. “I have a lot of work to do to be right but that’s what I am here for.

“The team will come first. If my shoulder isn’t 100 per cent I won’t play.

“Kevvie has given me until kick-off but there are a lot of training sessions to get through before then.”

The selection saga first surfaced last Friday, when Bennett revealed he would not release Milford for Origin duty unless he was guaranteed selection in the Maroons’ 17.

At the time, Milford was set to be installed as 18th man as a shadow player for Thurston but Bennett softened his stance when Walters advised him the Broncos sensation would be named in the No.6 jumper.

Bennett said last week: “Just because Queensland can’t make a decision on Thurston, that’s not my problem.

“We’ve got a big game to play against the Warriors without our Origin guys and I’m not going to release Anthony to socialise for three or four days in (Origin) camp.”