Johnathan Thurston says he didn't want to believe the diagnosis on his shoulder and has been left devastated after withdrawing from the Queensland team for the State of Origin opener next Wednesday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
What the Queensland coaching staff had feared all along came to pass on Thursday morning, with Thurston pulling out of the race to be fit for game one against NSW at Suncorp Stadium.
Just 24 hours earlier, he had spoken about his prospects of taking the field, saying he was bullish despite the massive stakes at play. A re-injury would be a six-month rehab sentence, ending his NRL season, Origin career and robbing him of a World Cup.
But testing on the Gold Coast later that afternoon put up red flags for team doctor Matt Hislop. Scans on Thursday morning confirmed the worst and were needed to convince Thurston of the scenario.
"I did some testing yesterday (Wednesday) and the results didn't come back the way I wanted. I had a chat to the doc and physio last night ... I didn't want to believe it. I went for a scan this morning and that confirmed that I won't be fit enough to play," Thurston said.
"Obviously devastated. I love everything about the Origin campaign, the build-up, the final training run, the buzz around the city, it's devastating not to be a part of it when the two-minute bell goes.
"I'm relieved that the doc has taken it out of my hands. I was keen on playing."
Thurston hopes to be back on the field in coming weeks but there was no guarantee he would be available for the second match either. It gives Anthony Milford the chance to step up as Maroons five-eighth and Thurston was the one to deliver the news.
"I congratulated him first. He just needs to worry about getting his preparation right and the best thing about this team is you only have to worry about yourself.
"Prepare the best you can and do the job for the team. We're not asking you to go over and beyond just do your job and no doubt he will do that. He is a super talent and I love watching him play."
Thurston's absence brings an end to his remarkable streak of 36 games for Queensland. He hasn't missed one in the past 12 series.
The decision also ends the ongoing feud with Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett, who had threatened to to lodge a formal complaint with the Queensland Rugby League over the handling of Milford, who he wanted to play for the depleted Broncos against the Warriors on Saturday if Thurston was to make an 11th-hour recovery.
Jarrod Wallace has been added to the squad as 18th man.
