Thurston set for surprise return

A meeting between Johnathan Thurston and North Queensland medicos this morning will determine whether the star Cowboys playmaker makes a surprise return to the NRL tomorrow night.

Thurston is a chance to make his return from a grade three medial ligament strain against Parramatta at Dairy Farmers Stadium after training strongly today. He suffered the injury during North Queensland's round 20 win over Brisbane.

Thurston has been pushing for an early return in a desperate bid to improve his chances of selection in the Australian squad for this year's Tri-Nations tournament.