Thurston escapes punishment

North Queensland starlet Johnathan Thurston will not face any further punishment over a drunken incident in September.

Cowboys board members met with the star halfback to resolve issues surrounding behaviour that led to his arrest by police in Brisbane for public nuisance offences.

They found that the 27-year-old test player failed to follow protocol during rehabilitation from an ankle injury.

Thurston has also volunteered to make a donation to charity.

A club statement said: “The Board has accepted Johnathan’s denial of the allegations which appeared in the media.
 
“Both the Club and Johnathan acknowledge that he did not follow protocol set by the Club in regard to his injury rehabilitation.
 
“To the extent to which his actions have not reflected his positive work in the community, Johnathan has volunteered to make a meaningful contribution through the Cowboys Community Fund.

“The Club and Johnathan consider the matter resolved and offer no further comment, other than that both are now looking positively towards the 2011 season.”