XXXX Queensland Maroons coach Kevin Walters has expressed his gratitude to Johnathan Thurston following the champion playmaker’s untimely injury news.
The North Queensland Cowboys today confirmed Thurston will undergo surgery for an injured shoulder and will not play rugby league again in 2017, which includes the July 12 Holden State of Origin decider.
He sustained an injury in Wednesday night’s Game II Origin match, but forced the series into a decider after sealing a clutch conversion kick to give the Maroons the win late in the game.
“We are very grateful of Johnathan, that he has put this team in the position to go to Suncorp Stadium for a decider,” Walters said.
“His efforts in Game II were really above and beyond.
“It’s obviously a big void to fill for the Maroons, but we have got some good options there available to us.
“We will see what happens over the next few weeks and the next two rounds of NRL before we make our decision.”
Walters said the loss of Darius Boyd (broke thumb) would also be another significant hurdle to overcome.
“Darius was excellent for us in Sydney at centre and we wish him a speedy recovery,” Walters said.
“Like Johnathan, he will be difficult to replace but I’m confident that we have players in our system ready to make the step up.”
Walters said Thurston would still be heavily involved in Queensland’s Game III preparations.
“Johnathan will have a role within the team for Game III,” Walters said.
“Obviously with it being his last Origin series, we will make sure it is a special occasion for him and his family.”
