North Queensland Cowboys captain Johnathan Thurston has said that the opportunity to play Leeds in England for the World Club Challenge is one to “tick off the bucket list”.
Cowboys and NRL legend Thurston brings his side to England next weekend to take on Super League champions Leeds Rhinos in the final match of the three-game World Club Series – and he’s excited to play in the English atmosphere.
Thurston has played in England on tours with Australia during tournaments like the World Cup, but he has been warned by former North Queensland fullback Matty Bowen that Super League crowds are a whole other issue.
And Thurston says he can’t wait to sample the atmosphere first hand.
“The thing the boys are looking forward to the most is the crowd,” Thurston told the Townsville Bulletin.
“It’s the one that I want to tick off the bucket list,” Thurston said. “Leeds have been at the top of their game over there for a number of years now. To have the opportunity to go over there and play against the best is something that I’m really looking forward to.
“It’s an opportunity that doesn’t come around very often. We’re in a privileged position and we need to make the most of it.”