Thurston unlikely to play at Nines

North Queensland's Johnathan Thurston has revealed he's unlikely to take part in the Cowboy's NRL Auckland Nines campaign.

North Queensland NRL grand final winning hero Johnathan Thurston is unlikely to play in next month's Auckland Nines.

The superstar says he'll travel across the Tasman with his Cowboys teammates but isn't expecting to see action.

Instead Thurston says his focus is on ensuring he's physically ready for the World Club Challenge against Leeds on February 21.