Melbourne skipper Cameron Smith has a virus. Photo / NZME.
Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston were notable no-shows at the NRL finals' series launch yesterday.
The skippers of all eight finals sides were expected at the launch at the SCG, however Smith and Thurston were late withdrawals.
Melbourne skipper Smith has a virus and North Queensland captain Thurston is battling
a leg strain ahead of their respective qualifying final clashes against Sydney Roosters and Brisbane.
Smith and Thurston are expected to be fit for those games, but they are not without concern.
Both the Storm and the Cowboys provided the NRL with doctor's certificates noting their player's injuries ahead of the media opportunity at the SCG.
