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Queensland’s Johnathan Thurston ruled out of State of Origin opener

Johnathan Thurston will not play Origin I because of a shoulder injury.

Johnathan Thurston will not play Origin I because of a shoulder injury. Photo: AAP

Johnathan Thurston has been ruled out of next week’s game one of the State of Origin because of his shoulder injury, with the Queensland Maroons making the call on his availability earlier than expected.

Thurston had been named as the Maroons’ 18th man when the squad was announced on Monday, with selectors looking to give the veteran playmaker as much time as possible to prove his fitness.

He has not played since injuring his shoulder in the Anzac Test in Canberra on May 5.

The decision to rule Thurston out of next Wednesday’s Origin opener at Lang Park confirms Anthony Milford will start at five-eighth for the Maroons.

“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,” Thurston said in a statement.

Thurston, who had been aiming to make his 37th consecutive Origin appearance, backed Milford to rise to the occasion in his Maroons debut.

“He’s a dynamic young player and I’m sure he will grab the opportunity with both hands and put in a performance that all of Queensland will be proud of,” he said.

Thurston will remain with the Maroons squad on the Gold coast to help Milford with his preparations.

“It shows a lot about Johnathan’s character, and what this team means to him, that he’s prepared to move on quickly and get behind Anthony, myself and the rest of the team during such a tough period,” Maroons coach Kevin Walters said.

“We knew Johnathan was going to be up against it, but because he has been such a great player for us over many years, we strongly believed he deserved to have that chance to prove his fitness.”

Jarrod Wallace has been added to the Maroons squad as the official 18th man following Thurston’s withdrawal.

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