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7th Tackle: Surgery saves more than JT's NRL career

Johnathan Thurston went under the knife in Townsville yesterday for an operation that will save a lot more than just his football career.

The game’s top player was given some frightening news the day after saving the Maroons with a busted shoulder in Origin II.

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Scans revealed the rotator cuff in his right joint was almost torn right through.

Had that been the case he probably would never have played again. The damage simply would have been beyond repair.

Pic: Getty
Pic: Getty

And that was also the scenario Thurston was risking if elected to play in the decider.

He was told the complications extended well beyond football – he’d never be able to swing a golf club, let along pick up his young children.

Both are his beloved past-times outside rugby league. So Thurston’s decision was an easy one.

But that doesn’t mean the week since has been.

He went along to 1300 Smiles Stadium for last Saturday’s clash against Penrith – what should have been his 300th NRL appearance – but couldn’t stay until fulltime.

He watched Ethan Lowe’s match-winning conversion from home.

After consultation with the surgeon who repaired Billy Slater’s shoulder last year, the Cowboys decided to have the procedure done at home.

Doctor John Maguire – a respected orthopaedic sports surgeon in the region – was the man chosen to bring the game’s most valuable star back to the best.