Johnathan Thurston has added to Australia’s injury crisis ahead of the Kangaroos’ defence of their Four Nations title later this month.
The North Queensland playmaker has withdrawn from coach Tim Sheens’ squad due to a shoulder injury.
Thurston’s omission brings to nine the number of incumbent Kangaroos unavailable for Australia’s tournament opener against New Zealand in Brisbane on October 25.
“It was a really difficult decision to have to make but in the end, the doctor really took it out of my hands when I saw him yesterday,” Thurston said in a statement on Wednesday.
“You never want to miss playing rep footy, and I’m very proud of my record in that area, but this time there’s no other option.
“I’d like to wish the Kangaroos all the best for the Four Nations.
“I’ll definitely be watching every match they play and cheering them on.”
However Thurston said he would not require surgery on the injury.
Daly Cherry-Evans came off the bench in the Kangaroos last Test, a 30-18 win over the Kiwis, and is the most likely candidate to partner Cooper Cronk in Australia’s halves.
NSW halfback Trent Hodkinson took a knee injury into Canterbury’s grand final loss to South Sydney and is likely to undergo surgery, ruling him out.
That could open the way for Canterbury’s Josh Reynolds to play alongside Cooper, or even Brisbane’s Ben Hunt, or one of Sydney Roosters duo Mitchell Pearce or James Maloney, who have all been named in the train-on squad.
Either way Sheens will be forced to blood a number of Test rookies over the coming weeks.
Thurston joins incumbents Billy Slater (shoulder), Darius Boyd (personal issues), Brett Morris (shoulder), Matt Scott (shoulder), Nate Myles (biceps), Paul Gallen (drugs ban), James Tamou (neck) and Matt Gillett (shoulder) as confirmed withdrawals.
Justin Hodges (knee), Josh Dugan (thumb), Trent Merrin (shoulder), Will Hopoate (leg), Dave Taylor (neck) and Andrew Fifita (arm) are also unavailable.
The long list of omissions has also brought the spotlight onto the issue of player burnout.
The Four Nations follows a 24 match season, a four week finals series, the three-game State of Origin series and the Anzac Test.
Sheens will name his squad on Tuesday.
