Relief for Thurston

Fears that Johnathan Thurston would be sidelined for the rest of the season have been allayed.

Thurston limped off the field during the second half of yesterday’s State of Origin decider with what appeared to be a serious knee injury.

But after scans and a meeting with knee specialists, Thurston has been diagnosed with a grade two medial ligament tear and could be fit within six weeks.

That means that the former Canterbury halfback could be fit to play in North Queensland’s finals campaign.