Thurston sets targets on Leeds and World Club Challenge

North Queensland Cowboys captain and Rugby League legend Johnathan Thurston has revealed that he’s sitting out this year’s NRL All Stars game so he can target sinking Leeds Rhinos in the World Club Challenge.

Thurston, a regular for the Indigenous All Stars in the annual curtain-raiser to the NRL season each and every year, will not take part this year, with Greg Inglis taking over as captain for the game.

And Thurston insists that whilst he loves playing in the All Stars game, the chance to come to England with his North Queensland side and set his sights on becoming the best club side in the world was too good an opportunity to reject.

“I will always have great affection for the All Stars match and I am already aiming to be back for next year’s game,” he said.

“But this is a unique opportunity to win the World Club series and I want to do all I can to help the Cowboys achieve that goal.”

“It’s an incredible honour to captain the Indigenous All Stars,” Inglis said. “It is always a special time for me – not only is the game itself something to remember but the week is always a highlight.

“Whilst it’s unfortunate that JT won’t be out there with us, I fully understand his decision to add the World Club Challenge to his resume.”