Walters won’t risk Origin opener not worth star’s health
QUEENSLAND coach Kevin Walters has vowed not to ruin Johnathan Thurston’s season as Cowboys mentor Paul Green warned his Origin ace is one setback away from surgery.
Walters yesterday hit out at suggestions he was playing mind games with the Blues over Thurston’s injury amid speculation the Cowboys star will face premiers Cronulla tomorrow night.
Thurston travelled to Sydney with the Cowboys squad yesterday. But News Corp understands he is at long odds to face the Sharks, with Thurston telling Cowboys insiders his torn rotator-cuff is not ready for an 80-minute hitout.
The Queensland team for Origin I is named on Monday and Walters is so concerned about Thurston’s welfare he is set to name a 19 or 20-man squad.
Thurston will be picked in the Queensland No.6 jumper, with Storm sensation Cameron Munster and Broncos pivot Anthony Milford in the frame for inclusion in the Maroons’ extended squad.
Cowboys young gun Coen Hess is firming as Queensland’s 18th man, but Walters insists he won’t put the Maroons’ ambitions ahead of Thurston’s welfare.
“Everyone thinks I am beating this up, but I’m not,” Walters said.
“There’s no guarantee Johnathan will play in Origin I and I’m looking at some other options if he’s not available.
“I don’t want to risk his health. I need to think of Paul Green and the Cowboys in all of this, that’s his (Thurston’s) club side and if he’s not able to play, he won’t play (Origin I) – simple as that.”
If Thurston is cleared for Origin I on May 31, he will run on to Suncorp Stadium having played just one game in 53 days. That was the recent Anzac Test, which was Thurston’s comeback match after injuring his calf against the Wests Tigers on April 8.
Green says Thurston cannot afford any more damage on an injury that could torpedo his plans for an Origin and World Cup representative finale this year.
Asked if Thurston would face the Sharks, Green said: “He is improving ... whether or not he improves enough to play this weekend, we will wait and see.
“But you take a massive risk that he will (tear) it (his shoulder) properly and if he does it properly his season is finished.
“That’s not worth the risk at this stage.
“He’s done some training but not with the team.”
Cowboys teammate Michael Morgan, who was superb against the Bulldogs last week, will be placed on Origin standby for Thurston. Walters says he will consult Cowboys and Maroons medicos.
“Most players go into games less than 100 per cent fit,” he said. “I will pick John to come into camp, but I will speak to him and his medical staff.
“I won’t be putting any pressure on him.
The player’s welfare comes before any single Origin game.”