Johnathan Thurston will train with his North Queensland teammates on Friday for the first time since the win over Melbourne, as the playmaking superstar amps up his preparation for the NRL grand final.

Thurston has been troubled by a groin injury throughout the final series.

He isn’t in doubt for Sunday’s title decider against Brisbane at ANZ Stadium, but it has been a far from ideal preparation for the Australian and Queensland representative.

However, Thurston knows, win or lose, there will be no excuses come fulltime on Sunday.

And he will have to be up for a fast-paced affair.

Thurston is expecting a similar game to the the qualifying final three weeks ago when Brisbane beat North Queensland 16-12 in one of the quickest games of the year.

“I was sucking in the goalposts there a few times in the first week of the finals, hopefully it’s a similar match,” Thurston said.

“Both teams have got attacking weapons and can score tries from all over the park.

“The Broncs have a lot of excitement machines in their team and are very exciting to watch. It will be a packed house and I’m sure fans will get their money’s worth.”