Jonathan Thurston. Photo / Getty Images
In a chilling warning to Australia's Four Nations opponents, halfback Johnathan Thurston insists he's still not hit top form in the tournament.
The Queensland ace, who was named halfback of the year at the international league awards in London last week, has been the standout player in the Kangaroos' opening two fixtures against New Zealand and England.
The 28-year-old's perfect kicking game was too much for England in the 36-20 win at Wembley, and his exploits with the boot on the training ground - as featured on YouTube - have been a talking points of the competition.
The YouTube footage shows Thurston kicking a ball from behind the goal line and curling it over the crossbar. "I was just messing around after training once and it came off," Thurston said. "Now all the boys are trying it, especially Sammy Thaiday, but I'm sure none of them have managed it."
Thurston kicked six goals against England and is edging back to his best form, having looked off the pace in the latter end of the NRL season.
That was because of the knee ligament injury he sustained in the final State of Origin clash in Brisbane, and he admits he was still feeling the effects when he returned to action for North Queensland.
But having trained continuously after the Cowboys' season ended in September, and with three test matches under his belt, he says he's pain-free and match fit. "When I first came back it wasn't really hurting during games. It was more after when it would pull up really sore. But I'm right now and I feel I am getting back to my best form, but there's still more to come."
Tim Sheens endorsed Thurston's claims, insisting he won't be resting his halfback for Sunday's game against Wales in Wrexham.
Sheens is set to give international debuts to three players in Sunday's match against Wales.
With Robbie Farah, Tony Williams and Billy Slater all unavailable, Sheens' hopes of resting some of his big names ahead of next weekend's final with either New Zealand or England have been hindered.
However, the veteran coach says he will fulfil his pre-tour vow of giving every player in his squad a taste of the action, meaning Daly Cherry-Evans, Corey Parker and Beau Scott will all win their first test caps.
Sheens was set to name his team this morning.
Sheens indicated he would rest Darren Lockyer, but the coach is keen for Thurston and Greg Inglis, who both came into the tournament under injury clouds, to maintain their match fitness.
Willie Tonga will get the chance to put his name forward for a starting spot in the final after recovering from a hip problem and a strained pectoral muscle when he starts in place of Chris Lawrence at right centre.
Despite maintaining his 100 per cent scoring record against England in the 36-20 win last Saturday, Lawrence caused Sheens some concern with his positioning in the unfamiliar right centre role. "None of my centres are right centres, they all play on the left," Sheens said.
"Chris has done well, but I might have another look at Willie.
"Willie has played there a few times and feels comfortable playing there so he will get a run. Josh Morris will be in contention for a spot on the right wing, with Darius Boyd at fullback."
- AAP
By Ian McCullough
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