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'Love and bleed NSW but I'm sad': How league fans reacted to Thurston blow

Rachel Clun

Rugby league fans both maroon and blue have voiced their dismay over the announcement Immortal-in-waiting Johnathan Thurston will not play in the State of Origin decider next month.

Thurston will be out of the game for at least six months as he undergoes surgery on his damaged right rotator cuff.

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Thurston calls time on Origin career

Queensland and North Queensland Cowboys five-eighth Johnathan Thurston will undergo shoulder surgery, ending his State of Origin career and ruling him out for the rest of the NRL season.

It also means the North Queensland Cowboys captain remains at 299 NRL games played.

In a Facebook post, the Cowboys said Thurston would not play another NRL match this year.

Hundreds of fans replied, saying they were devastated by the news and wished Thurston all the best for his recovery.

"That is horrible news for JT, The Cowboys, Maroons and all league lovers," Paul Kneeshaw said.

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"I wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to watching him play again!! At least he left the Origin arena leading his side to a famous victory, a living legend!!"

Another commenter, Chris Bennett, congratulated Thurston on an outstanding career.

Photo gallery
In pictures: some of Johnathan Thurston’s best moments

"You have played in both the Queensland and Kangaroos jerseys with unrivalled passion and utmost integrity," he said.

"A born leader on the field and a gentleman off the field."

Commenter Keith Reed said Thurston's presence would be "sorely missed", and he wished him a speedy recovery.

"Look forward to seeing you on paddock next year," he said.

On Twitter, Maroons supporters were equally supportive of Thurston's decision to take care of his health, and even a few Origin fans from over the border had kind words.

"Sorry to hear Johnathan Thurston is out for the season, he is one the league's greatest players. Time for other players to step up," Twitter user Des Kerrigan said.

"Love and bleed NSW but I'm sad to hear Johnathan Thurston is out for the season," Callum Ramsay said on Twitter.

On Facebook, commenter Erin Gough wrote even though she was not a supporter of either the Maroons or the Cowboys, she was still devastated by the loss of such a player.

"I'm not a cowboys supporter and I also live in NSW and support the BLUES," she said.

"Regardless I feel so sorry for him, he is a top bloke and an awesome player. My family wish you nothing but the best and a speedy recovery rest up mate. See you strong next year. My little bloke is going to be devastated he is a massive fan."