Johnathan Thurston has warned NSW that Queensland won't be lacking motivation when the Maroons open their quest next week for a record fifth straight State of Origin series win.
Queensland's champion halfback ventured deep into enemy territory on Monday to promote a grassroots fundraising program and bristled when it was
suggested the Maroons may be short on inspiration after romping to their fourth successive series victory last year.
"We've got a lot of emotion as well, as much as the Blues have," Thurston snapped at reporters in Sydney.
"It's obviously Locky's (Darren Lockyer's) last hurrah, so we want to send him out the way he deserves to be sent out. I think Petero (Civoniceva) is the same as well, so we've got a lot riding on it.
"But to win five in a row would be something special and that's the challenge for us."
The Maroons will enter camp on Tuesday after selectors name their 17-man team for next Wednesday's series opener at Sydney's Olympic Stadium.
"Every time you come into camp there's something to play for and you don't need any motivation to play State of Origin," Thurston said.
"If you need motivation, you probably shouldn't be there."
Thurston personally can't wait to get stuck into the Blues after missing Australia's trans-Tasman Test win over New Zealand earlier this month with a shoulder injury.
"It's an exciting time of the year," he said.
"Rep football's around and to miss out on a Test was disappointing, but I'm just looking forward to getting back with the boys and hopefully having a successful series.
"Mal (Meninga) has instilled a great culture in the Queensland team since he's had it and everyone plays for each other."
Thurston made a surprise return in North Queensland's 24-12 NRL loss to the Warriors on Saturday night and said he gained a lot of confidence from his comeback game.
"They're obviously big boys, the Warriors, and they threw a bit at me," he said.
"But I think I handled it pretty well and hopefully I get picked (for Queensland) and no doubt the Blues will do the same.
"Obviously I haven't played much footy so it was just good to get 80 minutes out and I'll do obviously a little bit more over the next week to get my fitness up."
- AAP
