Thurston leaves Origin future open, just in case
COWBOYS co- captain Johnathan Thurston has not ruled out making a return to State of Origin.
Thurston told Channel Nine’s NRL Footy Show that a call from Queensland coach Kevin Walters next year may be able to convince him his representative retirement wasn’t over.
“If I got the call from the coach, I would probably consider it,’’ he said.
Thurston last week called time on his Origin career after suffering a season- ending shoulder injury in Queensland’s 18- 16 win in Game Two, which saw Thurston boot a matchwinning conversion from the sideline.
Thurston revealed how the scene unfolded when receiving the news about his injury.
“I got the scan done and seen our physio. There were a couple of other boys in there … he’s asked for a bit of privacy and that’s when it hit,” he said.
“He’s explained to me what I’ve done and it’s not good.
“I thought I could get one more game out ( of it) and that’s when he’s explained to me the extent of my injury.
“It requires surgery. The medical advice was that if I want to lead a happy life after football it’s best to get it done now.
“I don’t want to be taking that risk with three kids. As much as I love football, I love my family more. I want to be able to pick my kids up a thousand times.’’
Thurston’s wife, Samantha, told The Footy Show that while the season- ending injury was extremely disappointing, her husband’s performance at ANZ Stadium provided a silver lining.
“I tried to look at it in a positive light. To finish his Origin career the way he did last Wednesday night was amazing and I think it will go down in the history books as one of the all- time great Origin performances,’’ she said.
Thurston said he was yet to ask Maroons coach Kevin Walters if he was needed him in Maroons camp to help with preparations.
“I haven’t spoken to Kevvie about it yet. I’m meant to give him a call about the team and whether me being in camp will be a distraction for the playing group,’’ he said.
“If he [ Walters] wants me there I will be there.”