Thurston says he's staying with Bulldogs
17 May 2004
"Homesick" Bulldogs five eighth Johnathan Thurston has committed to finish the season with the National Rugby League club.
Thurston was back at training today after a five day absence spent at home in Brisbane which caused speculation that he'd walked out on the club and wanted to quit the game.
Reports claimed he was depressed by the leg injury which has sidelined him for five weeks and the controversy which dogged the club over a young Coffs Harbour woman's rape allegations.
But today the 21-year-old said he'd just wanted to see his parents and was back to stay.
"I'm not going anywhere," said Thurston, who flew back to Sydney yesterday and comes off contract with the Bulldogs at the end of the season.
"I just want to get back on the field, then it should be right."
"I just wanted to go home and the club were fine with that.
"I mostly spent time with my family, I haven't seen them all for a while.
"Mum and dad stayed home from work and we just caught up and had a yarn."
Thurston remains hopeful his recovery from the leg injury will see him back on the field in just over a month.
"I'm starting to put a bit of light load on it (right leg) now - so hopefully just a few more weeks," he said.
Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes dismissed Thurston's five days off as a "non issue".
"He was a bit homesick so it was just a good opportunity, while he wasn't doing any worthwhile training, to go home and see his mum and dad," Folkes said.
Thurston has joined a growing list of players who have taken time away from the game in 2004.
Justin Hodges, Mark Gasnier, David Peachey, Lance Thompson and Jamie Lyon have all taken time out this season to think about their playing futures, although Lyon was the only player not to return.
"The pressure of the game and the pressure of the fulltime aspect of it is probably more intense than it has been in the past," Folkes said.
"I haven't had first-hand knowledge of the other guys who have spent time away.
"Johnathan was just a three or four day visit home which he has pretty much done every year since he's been here - so it's no big deal."
Meanwhile Folkes welcomed the Bulldogs' representation of four players in the State of Origin opener with big men Mark O'Meley, Andrew Ryan and Willie Mason in the NSW squad and captain Steve Price named as a starter for Queensland.
"It's a showpiece for the game so it's fantastic to be represented by four of our guys," Folkes said.
http://www.nrl.com/news.cfm?id=8684
Was there ever any doubt? ;-)
