Premiership winning Cowboys captain Johnathan Thurston will miss the All-Star exhibition match at Suncorp on February 14.
Thurston withdrew from the captaincy of the Indigenous All-Stars team so he can devote his efforts to the Cowboy’s campaign to win the World Club Challenge, in which they meet the UK Super League champions, Leeds Rhinos, on February 21. The World Club Challenge is one of the few achievements Thurston is yet to complete in his stellar career. He advised the NRL he wanted to ensure he was fit and fresh for that clash.
Thurston had a remarkable year in 2015, winning his fourth Dally M award, winning the 2015 NRL premiership and winning the international Golden Boot award for the third time.
South Sydney Rabbitohs fullback Greg Inglis will replace Thurston as captain of the Indigenous side. “Whilst it’s unfortunate that ‘JT’ won’t be out there with us, I fully understand his decision to add the World Club Challenge to his resume,” Inglis said.
Thurston hopes to return to the All-Stars game next year, telling media “I will always have great affection for the All Stars match and I am already aiming to be back for next year’s game.” – Jesse Mullens
Photo of Johnathan Thurston celebrating a field goal from the North Queensland Cowboys Facebook page.
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I am the sports editor for the Macleay Newsroom. I enjoy cooking and watching sport intently.
