WORLD OF PAIN FOR ROOS
... and a huge boost for England as nemesis Thurston is ruled out of tournament
ENGLAND’S World Cup hopes have received a back-handed boost with three-time Golden Boot winner Johnathan Thurston ruled out for Australia.
The 34-year-old has regularly been a thorn in England’s side during his glittering career, but needs a shoulder operation following his starring role in Queensland’s State of Origin win on Wednesday. Having announced this would be his last season of representative rugby, it brings the curtain down on a 39-Test career for the Kangaroos, although he will play on for North Queensland Cowboys in 2018. It is the third major blow to tournament favourites Australia, who have had Greg Inglis (below) and Matt Scott ruled out. Thurston said: “I would love to play in the World Cup but I don’t think it’s a reality. I obviously wanted to finish on a high this year with representative football – but that is not to be. “I am comfortable with that decision I have made to retire from rep football.” Thurston (left and far left in Four Nations action against England) injured his shoulder playing for Australia against New Zealand on May 5 and missed the opening Origin match. He returned on Wednesday to steer Queensland to a gripping 18-16 win that levelled the series. But he aggravated the injury and could be seen clutching at his arm after every run or pass in the second half. He managed to ignore the pain to land the matchwinning conversion from near the touchline – but must now have surgery that has a recovery period of six months. Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga has paid tribute to a man who has set numerous records for Australia and Queensland over the last decade. Meninga said: “The passion and emotion that he puts into every team he plays for is enormous. “He will be one of our greatest players and probably one of our greatest competitors, considering his size, the position he plays and the demands on his body he goes through week-to-week. He is an extraordinary talent.” Meninga insisted, however, that Australia will have sufficient talent to replace him in the World Cup, which kicksoff with their clash against England in Melbourne on October 27. Meninga added: “When you look at the talent pool going through our game, we have got extraordinary depth in the playing ranks and the hardest thing is going to be who to leave out.” Michael Morgan, James Maloney and Matt Moylan were part of last year’s Four Nations squad and will be possible replacements, along with Brisbane’s Anthony Milford if he recovers from his own shoulder injury. Milford played against England for Samoa last month, but is also eligible for Australia.