Cooper Cronk says Johnathan Thurston’s farewell tour begins with Australia’s rugby league Test against New Zealand on Friday – and his could be starting, too.

Thurston is all but certain to take on the Kiwis after completing Tuesday’s training run, ending a three-game NRL absence with a calf injury.

Fullback Darius Boyd is also set to take his part in the Canberra Test despite failing to finish the session due to a hamstring complaint.

“(Boyd is) getting treatment and there’s no issue whatsoever. He’ll be lining up in the number one jersey on Friday night,” Cronk said on Wednesday.

And while much of the spotlight also surrounds Kangaroos skipper Cameron Smith becoming just the second Australian to reach the 50 Tests, the party will also extend to Thurston.

The Kangaroos five-eighth has already announced his intention to retire from the representative scene at the end of the year, giving the team plenty of motivation in a World Cup year.

“He’s probably having a few farewells and swansongs this year in the representative arena … and rightly so,” said halfback Cronk.

“But Johnathan Thurston’s not a selfish player. He wouldn’t be playing this game if he didn’t think he could contribute and he will on Friday night.”

The Test could also be one of many “lasts” for Cronk himself, who last month declared his plans to leave Melbourne at the end of the year and move to Sydney to join his fiancee.

The 33-year-old is weighing up whether he will retire following the World Cup.

“I suppose in hindsight, it possibly could be (my final year),” he said.

“But I think there’s a few other things to focus on in terms preparation for this week. This year has the potential to be a massive year for the Kangaroos.”

Cronk re-iterated that he is unlikely to make a call until after the State of Origin series, which would also be another stop on a tour full of send-offs.

“I’m not the type of player that just makes decisions off the cuff,” he said.

“I like to think them through and have the information in front of me. In due course, I guarantee you I’ll let you know, but that time’s not for a while, trust me.”

The Kangaroos had a rest day on Wednesday, although Smith and his family joined ARLC chairman John Grant, NRL boss Todd Greenberg at a ceremony at the War Memorial.

Kiwis coach David Kidwell and captain Jesse Bromwich, as well as captains from the Junior Kangaroos, Kiwis, Jillaroos and Kiwi Ferns were also present.

The Kangaroos finalise preparations for the clash with the captain’s run on Thursday.