Cowboys player Johnathan Thurston has been named the NRL’s players’player.

It was a double celebration for him as he was cleared of wrongdoing after claiming Sydney clubs conspired against outsiders.

Pippa Sheehan reports.

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Thurston is number one amongst his peers, even edging out the likes of Todd Carney and Cameron Smith for the coveted “Players’ Player” title.

The award was announced in Sydney overnight.

Thurston recorded an acceptance video message with his 3-month-old daughter on his knee.

The Cowboys are no longer part of the finals series, but Cronulla and Manly will go head to head in the semi’s on Friday.

Cronulla star Todd Carney is set to undergo intensive treatment on his hamstring in a desperate bid to play in the game or at least be ready if his team gets through to the next stage.

His Skipper Paul Gallen has told the team to move on without the star player.

Paul Gallen, Sharks Captain: “Yeah that’s all you can do you know, there’s no point feeling sorry for yourself, that’s part of the game unfortunately. Injuries are part of it.”

In the second semi final Newcastle will meet the Melbourne Storm.

Pippa Sheehan, QUT News.