Queensland suffered a brief State of Origin scare as playmaker Johnathan Thurston copped a callous elbow to the head in North Queensland’s 30-6 NRL win over St George Illawarra on Friday.

Dragons backrower Matt Prior was sent from the field for the 55th minute shot, which left the star playmaker sprawled on the ground.

However, Maroons selectors will likely be breathing easier after Thurston returned to the Cowboys bench after receiving medical attention.

The Origin and Test five-eighth was not knocked unconscious in the hit but did not return to the field.

In another worrying sign for Queensland selectors, prop Matt Scott was taken from the field with an ankle problem on 60 minutes in his first game back from a month-long injury layoff.

Prior became the first player to be sent off in the 2012 NRL season and was escorted through the tunnel by stadium security and police officers to the widespread booing from the 15,006 fans at Dairy Farmers Stadium.

Thurston orchestrated a 22-point half-time lead for the Cowboys, setting up tries for Ray Thompson, Matt Bowen and Kane Linnett and saving another with some valiant tryline defence against Jeremy Latimore.

Brent Tate also scored in the first half before Brett Morris finally put the Dragons on the board in the 50th minute, getting onto a clever inside kick from Jason Nightingale after the winger made a line break down the side.

Despite playing down a man for the final 25 minutes, the Dragons looked more likely to score again, but Tariq Sims put the match beyond doubt in the 71st minute when he pounced on a Thompson grubber.

The Cowboys will have some disciplinary concerns of their own, with James Segeyaro placed on the report for a 60th minute high hit on Dragons half Ben Hornby.