JT shoulders load and now looks to fairytale finish

JOHN A THAN Thurston’ s fairytale is alive but will his shoulder play to the script?

Thurston ( pictured) added another chapter to his neverending book of chronicles when he kept Queensland’s State of Origin series hopes alive with a stunning sideline conversion at ANZ Stadium last night.

He now has one game left to say goodbye to the Maroons jersey he has cherished since 2005 but whether he is fit for a farewell remains to be seen.

As NSW looked destined to wrap up its first series victory since 2014 last night, Thurston nursed his suspect right shoulder like a maimed bird.

His record run of 36 consecutive Origin appearances was brought to an end by the torn rotator cuff muscles in his right shoulder which saw him miss Origin I.

He returned at full fitness last night to help rescue the series for Queensland but midway through the first half disaster struck.

Thurston, 34, reeled out of a tackle shaking his suspect arm. A few minutes later he was still twisting and turning it, looking for the miracle recovery.

It never came, but he didn’t give up.

At one point Andrew Fifita launched his 120kg frame at Thurston, hitting him square on the limp right arm. He got back up, adjusted his headgear and kept going.

He kept scheming and toiling. Pressing and pushing as he searched for the crack in the Blues armour.

It was Dane Gagai who scored Queensland’s two second half tries but Thurston stood up and delivered when it mattered most.

For 77 minutes it looked like Thurston would not get the series victory send- off he craved at Suncorp Stadium on July 12.

But champions only need a moment to do something that will be remembered for a lifetime. Now for his shoulder to play along to the script.