North Queensland coach Paul Green has welcomed the return of utility Ray Thompson from injury ahead of the State of Origin period.
Green says Thompson will be given a run in the second tier Queensland Cup this weekend before being considered for NRL action.
Thompson is expected to slot into the halves for two away games during the Origin period as much needed cover for Queensland selections Johnathan Thurston and Michael Morgan.
“It’s good timing,” Green said on Tuesday of Thompson who underwent ankle surgery in February after breaking down at Indigenous All Stars training.