After 36 consecutive Origins in a row Johnathan Thurston will miss his first game since his debut over a decade ago – and possibly his first series. He has decided to retire from Origin this year regardless if he plays or not.
But Queensland need not despair. We do not need Thurston to win. The Cowboys have proved that they don’t need Thurston to win and neither do Queensland. With the experience of Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith at halfback and dummy half respectively, Queensland will be able to obtain victory without any dramas.
Anthony Milford makes his debut for Queensland at five-eighth for the injured Thurston and will no doubt need all the help he can get to replace Thurston.
Michael Morgan is also in the side and his experience at five-eighth for the Cowboys will only help the Queenslanders in replacing JT.
NSW is trying to use JT’s absence to their advantage but considering their record, a well-trained Intrust Super Cup team could beat NSW. Maybe not the Central Queensland Capras, but one of the top teams.
Don’t worry, all is well in the Sunshine State. Queensland will win another series, even if we don’t see Thurston in Maroon ever again.
steveng
Roar Rookie
Sorry, that should have been 5oz's as a Pony Glass is 5 imp fl oz (142 ml),
steveng
Roar Rookie
LOL, great write up 'Lidcombe Oval'!!! Yeah, I remember the first time I tasted the old XXXX draft (in the late 60's, in a pony glass 7oz) because that is how they were dinking it up there, they couldn't take a scooner, it smelled and tasted like 'Cows P**S. I spat it out and had to go over the border for my good old Reche's lol
steveng
Roar Rookie
e.g Billy Smith, had every bone in his body broken from the biff, how would JT have faired in that era??
steveng
Roar Rookie
Fully agree 'Knight Vision', I've been following RL since the mid 50's (as a kid). There have been some brilliant, outstanding and impacting 1/2's in that period of time and JT is just one of them. Each era had their own brilliant 1/2's. There is no such thing as the greatest.
steveng
Roar Rookie
Yeah sure, Qld wouldn't of won game 2, his goal kicking was what got them over the line!!!
BigJ
Roar Guru
To borrow a quote from WWE Wrestler Kurt Angle " oh its true!! its damn true!!!!"
BigJ
Roar Guru
Oh absoultley that is an imcredible feat that will never be match (Im hearing another records article). But i think Thurston has alot left to do to become an immortal. captaining his state and country for a start. which he will never do so he does not qualify in my book.
BigJ
Roar Guru
Were you there were you???, barry just give up now the discussion does not concern you,.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I think credit should be given to JT for playing his 36 consecutive Origins in a row!
The Barry
Roar Guru
I know it's narky but I just love lines like "your pretty ___ stupid" Makes me laugh every time. And J we know you graduated year six first go, no need to brag...but you had three cracks at year five and were 14 at the time! ?
The Barry
Roar Guru
Rob nice stats mate like?
BigJ
Roar Guru
I hve never said that Thurtson is the best, didnt you read me Smith v Thurston article???????? I suppose being up at 3 in the morning to write this comments you can be forgiven for stupidity and assumptioons. You need to read my Smith v Lockyer article if its gets published. Thruston is a long way off being an immortal.
jeff dustby
Guest
you are living in some deluded world trying to convince yourself that JT is not that great. still, when there is an immortal conversation you will say he is the best.
jeff dustby
Guest
no, its false
jeff dustby
Guest
yes, i am positive that this article is false
jeff dustby
Guest
off the mark there. none of those players are as good as thurston. you also conveniently chose the period of this ear for NQ. My stats are over a longer period and are better. If you believe that NQ dont need JT, i can not help you
BigJ
Roar Guru
I graduated year 6 on that first go thanks and if qld are so dumb why do we keep winning orgins so i assume your a nswmen so your pretty f___#ing stupid then arent u
BigJ
Roar Guru
Well said
Knight Vision
Guest
Every organization or cause needs saint/ hero /champion ( call them what you will ) Thurston is merely a manufactured myth. Good player? certainly! An all time great ?mmmm , an immortal ? LMFAO. Thurston is the beneficiary of an era with a dearth of quality halves. In such environment " in the land of the blind the one eyed man is king "
Lidcombe Oval
Guest
Of course he would say that as he follows a State that wont have daylight saving as it fades the curtains and causes confusion to dairy cows at milking time. Not to mention QLD historical love of banjos, rivers and moonshine. Most QLD's sign their name with an X which is why their beer is called XXXX - Not many have graduated 6th class those that did took 12 years to do :-)