JT at peace over missing grand final date
JOHNATHAN Thurston will pack his boots for the grand final, but there will be no Matt Scott- style return for the fourtime Dally M champion.
Thurston has played a key role in North Queensland’s stunning run to qualify for Sunday’s NRL grand final against Melbourne Storm at ANZ Stadium.
The Cowboys co- captain has been sidelined since suffering a season- ending shoulder injury in Queensland’s epic Origin II victory on June 21.
While Thurston is advanced in his recovery – nearing full range of move- ment in his shoulder and being able to pass the ball – he is not ready for the brutality of an NRL grand final.
Thurston, 34, has played in three NRL grand finals, winning the 2004 title with the Bulldogs, losing the 2005 decider with North Queensland and kicking the premiership- winning field goal in 2015.
While stranded on 299 NRL games, Thurston has been somewhat of another assistant coach for Paul Green during the past three months.
He has regularly travelled to Cowboys away games and watched closely over training sessions, tutoring halves Michael Morgan and Te Maire Martin.
His famous Asics boots with the colours of the Aboriginal flag will be in his luggage when the Cowboys depart Townsville on Wednesday, but Thurston is at peace with being unable to play.
“I’ll pack my boots,” Thurston said. “I’m not the only one to have had to sit out a grand final. That’s what happens in footy.
“Smithy ( Storm captain Cameron Smith) missed one through suspension ( in 2008) and there are other players who have missed grand finals.”
Thurston and Scott were in the coaches’ box at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night as the Cowboys beat the Roosters in the grand final qualifier.