Thurston to sit out All Stars

Jonathan Thurston has withdrawn from the NRL All Stars game to focus on the World Club Challenge.

The World Club Challenge will be held a week after the All Stars match. Thurston wants to ensure that he is fresh and fit for the encounter against Leeds Rhinos.

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

Greg Inglis will now captain the Indigenous All Stars in the 2016 NRL All Stars match in Brisbane next month.

Inglis said he was humbled to be asked to captain the side this year.

“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.”