JT not the retiring type, say mates

JOHNATHAN Thurston’s teammates have slammed suggestions the star playmaker has possibly gone one year too long, warning critics to never write off a champion.

Fox Sports commentator Greg Alexander made the remarks ahead of the Cowboys’ loss to the Warriors on Saturday – their fourth straight defeat.

The former Australian player said Thurston was looking like someone who had “possibly played the game a little bit too long”.

There is no doubt Thurston has not been at his very best to start the season, but he is coming back from a serious shoulder injury and has showed plenty of promising signs.

While the halfback was reluctant to comment after the game, simply stating that Alexander is entitled to his opinion, his North Queensland teammates came out in support of their co-captain.

Coach Paul Green claimed the comments from Alexander made him “happy” because he thought they would motivate Thurston, while back-rower Ethan Lowe also said it was dangerous to write off a player such as the former Queensland and Australian star.