BRISBANE, Australia (AP) Queensland playmaker Johnathan Thurston has been ruled out of next week’s State of Origin rugby league opener against New South Wales due to a shoulder injury.
Thurston was named the Maroons’ 18th man on Monday, but he confirmed Thursday he would not play in the May 31 match at Brisbane.
”I’m devastated I won’t be playing next week, but the call needed to be made and it’s the right decision for the team,” said Thurston, who plays for the North Queensland Cowboys.
Anthony Milford of the Brisbane Broncos is expected to be the starting five-eighth for the Maroons.