Johnathan Thurston is expected to know whether he’ll be fit enough to play in next week’s Origin opener by Sunday.

The Maroons are now in camp on the Gold Coast to prepare for round one of the series.

Ben Downie reports.

TRANSCRIPT

Queensland Coach Kevin Walters is content to wait it out and make a last minute decision on Thurston’s fitness.

But the decision will be made by both him and Walters, who hopes to see him make his thirty-seventh straight appearance.

Johnathan Thurston, Qld Maroon: “We’ll both have the final say. I got a lot of respect for Kevie, it goes both ways. And like I said the team will come first, so if I’m not right to go I’ll put the team first.”

Thurston believes if he can make it through a day’s work at the Maroon’s camp on Sunday he’ll play, but there’s still a large risk to his shoulder.

Johnathan Thurston, Qld Maroon: “Uhh the risk is I tear it completely and that’s the season.”

If Thurston can’t play he’ll be replaced by Anthony Milford who was called up on Tuesday from the Broncos.

Origin selection leaves the Broncos heavily depleted ahead of their Saturday night clash against the Warriors.

But, a new halves combination looks to give Brisbane the edge in Auckland.

Ben Hunt returns from a back injury just in time for the Broncos who are missing six players out on Origin duty.

He’ll line up next to veteran Benji Marshall, who Wayne Bennett will start from kick off for the first time since he left the Dragons.

Ben Downie, QUT News.