After copping a working over from Parramatta in his return from a shoulder injury, Johnathan Thurston is expecting more torrid treatment from NSW in State of Origin II.
All of Queensland breathed a sigh of relief as Thurston emerged unscathed in his first game back following a month out in North Queensland's 32-6 NRL thumping of Parramatta in Darwin on Saturday.
At the same time NSW will be nervously looking over their shoulders after Thurston immediately returned to his brilliant best to set up three tries and score one himself in a dominant performance at TIO Stadium.
The Eels did their best to put the Queensland and Australian great off his game however it failed to faze the four-time Dally M winner.
On numerous occasions Thurston was hit late or as he passed the ball and Eels skipper Beau Scott was cautioned by the referees about their heavy treatment of the Cowboys playmaker.
"I copped a few late hits early on which tested it out but it's (shoulder) pulled up fine," Thurston said.
"My fitness wasn't too bad. I thought we controlled the ball very well. Our fifth tackle options were pretty good throughout the game which put us in a good position."
Despite the extra attention, Thurston's game management was the decisive factor and even Eels coach Brad Arthur lamented the way he had strangled the life out of his team.
After pulling up fine, Thurston will be named in Queensland's side for their must-win game two clash against NSW at ANZ Stadium on June 21.
Thurston said he expected to come in for some heavy treatment from the Blues, and for the rest of the season, but was welcoming of the challenge.
"It's going to be expected throughout the year," Thurston said.
"I've always got a target on my head.That's not going to change."
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