League: Thurston for half a chance

It's often said halfbacks are confident and cocky characters and Johnathan Thurston seems to have got into the swing of things already.

Although he describes himself as "nervous" heading into Wednesday's first State of Origin battle at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium, the Queensland halfback is already referring to his more senior statesmen as "Locky" (Darren Lockyer) and "Pricey" (Steve Price). It's clearly a far cry from the day when senior members were called "Sir" or avoided altogether.

But this mindset is often what marks Aussies out from the crowd and was one reason why the precocious 22-year-old was sounded out to play for the Kiwis in this year's Anzac test.

"My old man is from Greymouth," the Brisbane-born Thurston said between a break in Queensland training this week. "I was pretty surprised when they (the Kiwis selectors) asked me and I wasn't really tempted because growing up it had always been a dream of mine to play State of Origin."

Although few were surprised when he was given the nod to start for the Maroons ahead of the Tigers' Scott Prince, Thurston was careful not to read too much into the hype. It was a mistake he made last season when he was tipped to be a part of the Queensland squad, only for him to "get sidetracked by it all" and see his form dip away.

An older and wiser Thurston has since led his Cowboys side to a record of six wins from 10 games to sit handily on the NRL table. And with the Cowboys having the luxury of the bye this weekend, it means the former Bulldog can focus all of his attention on Wednesday night.

"It hasn't fully sunk in yet and I've been a bit nervous at training - there are some big names in our side," Thurston said excitedly. "But one thing I won't be doing is trying anything different in the way I play the game. I'll just be doing what I've been doing for the Cowboys."

That has included his nippy and sometimes unorthodox runs in his distinctive headgear as he probes for gaps one-off the rucks.

In a break from normal service, Queensland are the bookies' favourites due to their bigger forward pack and the influence of playmaker Darren Lockyer.

In fact, the 2003 series, when Queensland also hosted two matches at home, is the only other time the bookies have instilled the Maroons as slight favourites in the 25-year history of the competition - NSW won 2-1.

In 2003, Thurston was only starting to make an impression, having been plucked out of the Toowoomba competition the previous year by the Bulldogs. By the end of last year, the self-described "larrikin" had premiership medals from all three grades, although he had limited chances at the Dogs with the likes of Brent Sherwin and Braith Anasta ahead of him prompting an off-season move north to Townsville.

One of the things that tipped selection in Thurston's favour was familiarity, as he'll be joined by five Cowboy team-mates - the first time the Brisbane Broncos haven't accounted for the majority of Queensland players.

"It will help that we know each other's games," Thurston said. "But it's so massive and I don't know what to think. I'll probably have a chat to the guys who've been there and done it."

No doubt that will include Locky and Pricey.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY