League: Boyd and Thurston dispel fitness fears

AAP

4 Jun, 2013 08:44 PM2 mins to read

Johnathan Thurston trains ahead of State of Origin I. Photo /Getty Images

Only a late call from pregnant partner Samantha can stop Johnathan Thurston breaking State of Origin's consecutive games record at ANZ Stadium on Wednesday night.

The North Queensland star will pass former Maroon warhorse Gary Larson (24) for the most Origin games in a row unless his partner goes into labour and he has to rush back to Townsville before the game.

If that scenario unfolded Manly halfback Daly Cherry-Evans is ready to take his place after training with the side since last Tuesday.

Thurston, who's been under treatment for a virus, joined teammates for Queensland's final training session at ANZ Stadium on Tuesday where winger Darius Boyd (bruised ankle) also ran freely suggesting he'll line-up on NSW rookie Blake Ferguson.

Thurston is the only Queensland player to have appeared in every one of their 21 games during the a record seven series streak which started back in 2006.

Maroons hooker Cameron Smith believes the mobility of the bench - Matt Gillett, Corey Parker, Ben Te'o and rookie Chris McQueen, could prove the difference on a surface likely to be quite difficult under foot.

"They're all very accomplished defenders at club level but they're also very good with the ball and quite mobile," Smith said.

"In previous years we've gone with three really big blokes, guys we think can get us going forward.

"But these guys can push up to the front if we need them to.

"It's what NSW have done for the last couple of years and they've troubled us a bit with guys with more leg speed and lateral movement around the ruck."

"I'm really happy with the bench we've got. They're pretty dynamic and hopefully they can have an impact."

Smith noted new Blues coach Laurie Daley was not unlike Queensland mentor Mal Meninga with his laid back approach.