NRL: Smith, Thurston absent

Melbourne skipper Cameron Smith has a virus. Photo / NZME.

Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston were notable no-shows at the NRL finals' series launch yesterday.

The skippers of all eight finals sides were expected at the launch at the SCG, however Smith and Thurston were late withdrawals.

Melbourne skipper Smith has a virus and North Queensland captain Thurston is battling a leg strain ahead of their respective qualifying final clashes against Sydney Roosters and Brisbane.

Smith and Thurston are expected to be fit for those games, but they are not without concern.

Both the Storm and the Cowboys provided the NRL with doctor's certificates noting their player's injuries ahead of the media opportunity at the SCG.

Smith's teammates are said to have noticed he was struggling late in the Storm's 15-8 win over Brisbane on Thursday, as Melbourne played their third game in 12 days.

Meanwhile, Cowboys medical staff were concerned as to how the travel from Townsville may affect Thurston's injury, given North Queensland have to fly to Brisbane on Friday for their match at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday.

The Roosters host Melbourne at Allianz Stadium on Friday.

- AAP