Thurston savouring England experience

Johnathan Thurston is out to make his swansong on English soil a special one on Sunday.

Thurston will slot in the halves for Australia at Anfield against New Zealand in the Four Nations decider, hoping to add another trophy to his glittering career.

Thurston turns 34 in April and is expecting next year’s World Cup to be his last tournament in the green and gold before retirement. Sunday is expected to be his final game in the UK.

“That’s my plan, providing my form’s warranted to get picked at the end of next year,” he said.

“Thats a big goal of mine is to be playing in the World Cup next year.”

Thurston has won every honour rugby league has to offer and he has starred for both club and country at English grounds.

Playing against Leeds at Headingley in 2016 with North Queensland in the World Club Challenge is one particular highlight for the halfback.

“I really enjoy it, I’ve had a lot of good memories of those grounds,” he said.

“I remember the World Club Challenge, running up into the stands celebrating with the fans is a really good memory that I have, hopefully everything goes to plan on Sunday as well.

“Winning a World Cup final at Old Trafford is well up there with one of my highest achievements and hopefully this can go up there this Sunday.

“Ticket sales have been going really well so hopefully they keep going through the roof and we get a big crowd to watch the game.

“We’re very excited to be able to entertain at such a ground that has such history about it, the boys are really excited.”