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By Sacha Mirzabegian 
There’s no doubt Johnathan Thurston is hoping his Cowboys can ruin Cooper Cronk’s farewell match for the Storm in tonight’s NRL Grand Final but the injured North Queensland halfback paid tribute to his Maroons teammate for an astonishing career.

Cronk will potentially play his last NRL game in Storm colours and hang up the boots altogether after tonight’s decider. And Thurston revealed he sent his Queensland teammate a text message in the lead up to the big game.

"I texted him yesterday saying it’s been a pleasure to play along side you in so many games." Thurston told The Sunday Footy Show.

"We’ve had a lot of great memories not only on the field but off it as well.

"We’ll be mates for a long time."

The injured Thurston will be watching the grand final from the stands after hurting his shoulder months ago and was asked what he’d be willing sacrifice in order to play in the last match of the NRL season.

"My right shoulder," he joked.

"I know this day has been coming for a long time.




"I've been injured since the middle of the season so coped pretty well with the week."

Thurston remains a key part of the side off in preparing for the decider and said he’s impressed by how the players have handled themselves leading into the match

"They’re excited but relaxed at the same time which is a good sign."

