Thurston says he's fine for Origin II

Queensland halfback Johnathan Thurston has dismissed growing concerns over his
fitness for Wednesday night's second State of Origin clash despite again failing to
train with the Maroons.
After pulling out of Friday's session early, Thurston - who was man of the match in
game one in Sydney last month - sounded alarm bells when a calf problem prevented
him from running with team-mates on the Sunshine Coast on Saturday.
"I'll be fine," declared the classy No.7 after undergoing an hour-long treatment
session with Queensland team physio Scott Thornton as Melbourne Storm halfback
Cooper Crook stepped into his playmaking role.
It was on the same day, six days out from Origin I, that Queensland hooker Cameron
Smith (elbow) pulled the pin last month.
But Thurston insists he's not in any danger and the Maroons medical staff agree.
"I'm very confident of playing," said Thurston, swamped by autograph hunters when he
re-appeared after a physio session.
"It's just a bit of tightness, it's just precautionary.
"I'll do tomorrow's session."
Team doctor Roy Saunders said Thurston had complained of some calf soreness during
Friday's training run.
"It was calf tightness more than anything else. We iced it up last night and he
wasn't too bad (on Saturday) morning," said Dr Saunders.
"He was walking pain-free.
"We decided as a precaution not to run him this afternoon.
"He'll have more treatment today and we expect him to run tomorrow.
"At this point we're very comfortable with him."
Should Thurston be unable to stretch out on Sunday, Queensland could have a problem,
although Cronk could easily slot into the halfback job.
All indications are that Thurston will be recovered sufficiently to play his 14th
Origin as Darren Lockyer's halves partner and the 17th of his career.
The Queensland camp was shocked to learn NSW winger Timana Tahu had walked out on
the Blues but said it would not change how they prepared for the clash.
"It's a big shock," said Queensland strike centre Greg Inglis.
"Obviously he's got personal issues and I'm sorry to hear that.
"Hopefully it all goes well for him."
Forward Nate Myles said Tahu's replacement, Canberra's Joel Monaghan, was a good
choice.
"I played a bit of a bit of footy with Joel and he's a terrific player," said Myles.
"He's terrific under the high ball and Big Red (Monaghan) is a very enthusiastic bloke.
"I don't think it will be too much of a loss for them, but it's disappointing Tahu
can't play."