Tate says JT Origin record set in stone
JOHNATHAN Thurston’s record run may be over, but former Maroons and Cowboys teammate Brent Tate says his toughness in the Origin arena remains unrivalled.
Queensland will be without their talismanic halfback for the first time since 2004 after Thurston failed to overcome a shoulder injury in time for Wednesday’s series opener in Brisbane.
The injury ends an incredible run of 36 consecutive Origin appearances for Thurston – a feat which may never be matched, given fullback Darius Boyd ( 26) is the next closest player.
It’s hard to imagine a Maroons side without the 34- year- old, who was the only player to feature in every game of Queensland’s history- making eight consecutive series wins from 2006- 13.
Tate and Thurston played 17 Origins together during that golden age, along with four seasons at the Cowboys, and Tate said he was in awe of the star playmaker’s durability.
“I don’t think there’s too many players tougher than him to be honest,” Tate said.
“I think his toughness that he’s shown over a long period of time to play 36 consecutive Origins, we won’t see that again or certainly not for a long time.
“Honestly, it’s outrageous that’s he’s been able to do it. I look back on his career and I don’t know how he’s done it and how he continues to want to do it and perform at that level.
“People don’t understand, it’s not physical side that wrecks you. It’s constantly getting up for Origin and the expectation that goes along with it. That’s where his toughness lies.”
Thurston was always a long shot to take the field for his 37th Origin appearance on Wednesday night, but Tate said missing one game through injury did nothing to lessen his achievement.
“Of course it’s a shame. We’d all love to see him play, but I know as good as anyone that’s footy and that’s the game we play,” Tate said.
“At the end of day, he’ll look back and see he’s played 36 in a row and know that’s a hell of an achievement.”
Cowboys coach Paul Green wasn’t privy to the discussions among Queensland’s medical staff, but he believed it was for the best for Thurston to sit out the series opener.
“I spoke to Johnno before he went and our medical staff had spoken to their ( Queensland’s) medical staff about where we felt he was at and they took it over from there,” Green said.
“I think out of respect they wanted to give Johnno every chance to prove himself fit, but without being part of the process, I think they’ve probably come to the right decision.”
Thurston has targeted North Queensland’s June 10 clash with Parramatta to get back on the paddock, but Green said it was still too early for the club to make that call.
“We’ll see. We haven’t got him back here yet, so, until we do, we’ll have look at him then,” Green said.