Queensland skipper Cameron Smith is tipping Johnathan Thurston to overcome his shoulder injury in time for next week’s State of Origin opener.
Thurston has been named as 18th man and Smith says coach Kevin Walters has told players the veteran playmaker will be given right up until kick-off next Wednesday night to prove his fitness.
“I’ve played in probably three or four representative matches where JT’s been in doubt and he’s got up every time,” Smith told reporters on Monday.