Queensland captain Cameron Smith has given injury concern Johnathan Thurston the thumbs up ahead of Wednesday night’s State of Origin game three clash.
And the Maroons skipper has tipped returning halfback Cooper Cronk to make up for lost time as Queensland attempt to avoid suffering their first whitewash in 14 years.
Thurston threw a scare into the camp when he failed to complete their last training session on Sunday after colliding with another player.
He sat out the final 25 minutes of an opposed session icing his knee and was later diagnosed with a corked thigh.
It loomed as another potential drama for a Maroons camp that had just breathed a sigh of relief over Cronk’s miraculous return from a broken arm and winger Will Chambers being cleared of an assault allegation.
But Smith said Thurston was ready to bounce back to his best in game three at Suncorp Stadium after being well contained by NSW in the first two games.
“He just received a knock. He was full of life this morning as he usually is,” said Smith.
“I think he is really looking forward to this match.”
Smith said Cronk was also relishing his return after breaking his arm early in game one. He relegates Daly Cherry-Evans back to a utility bench role.
“It’s great to have him back mainly because of his experience at this level,” Smith said of Cronk.
“Daly is a wonderful player and one of the best in the game but he only had one training session for game two to prepare as No.7.
“Cooper’s kicking game is very strong and very tactical. That aspect of his game will help us.
“He is itching to get out there and play.”
Smith said they were desperate to avoid a rare whitewash after having their eight year winning streak snapped.
“We are all very disappointed with the result, there’s no doubt about that,” he said.
“Everyone was bitterly disappointed when we came into the dressing sheds after the game (two).
“There was not a whole lot said. I am not sure if anyone knew what to say.
“For most of those guys it was the first time they had lost a series.”
