A long-awaited return can not come soon enough for Johnathan Thurston.
But the North Queensland co-captain says he will know on Thursday whether he can launch his farewell NRL season in the Cowboys' opening trial against Wests Tigers in Cairns.
Thurston said he felt "as fresh as a daisy" after being named in the Cowboys squad along with co-captain Matt Scott (knee) for the February 17 clash.
He has not played since inspiring Queensland's State of Origin game two victory back in June.
However, Thurston said he would not get the green light until he visited a shoulder specialist on Thursday.
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"I spoke with coaching staff and still need the all-clear from the surgeon but last time I saw him he was pretty happy with it," Thurston said.
"I am fresh as a daisy. The training has been extremely hard but not playing a full season and getting those bumps and bruises, the body is in pretty good nick.
"I haven't played for a while. I just want to get a bit of footy under my belt."
Thurston said he was happy with how his shoulder had coped after being cleared for contact work three weeks ago and last week chiming into the Cowboys' opposed sessions.
"I got a few whacks and got drilled by the boys to test it out but it feels good," he said.
Either way, Thurston can expect a thorough examination of his shoulder in the Cowboys' final NRL trial against Melbourne at Suncorp Stadium on February 23 - the testimonial match for the Cowboys great and Cameron Smith.
Smith - in Brisbane to launch the match with Thurston on Sunday - said the trial would be taken very seriously.
Asked if they would test Thurston's shoulder out, Smith said: "I want him to play out the season like all fans do.
"But it's not going to be all high fives and giggling.
"I will be there to win, like JT."
Thurston admitted a win over Smith would be some payback after watching from the sidelines injured as Smith's Melbourne thrashed North Queensland in the 2017 NRL grand final.
"It would be nice to get one over my good mate," Thurston laughed.
