NRL: Thurston in strife over tirade

Queensland halfback Johnathan Thurston is likely to have an extra week off before State of Origin II after he was charged over a heated verbal exchange with an NRL referee.

Thurston has been hit with a grade one detrimental conduct charge for his expletive-laden complaint about a forward pass in the final minute of North Queensland's 24-20 loss to Manly on Saturday night.

He will miss Monday night's clash with South Sydney regardless of whether he enters the early guilty plea or unsuccessfully defends the charge at the judiciary.

Thurston's only chance of playing again before Origin II is to win a case at the judiciary.

Parramatta captain Nathan Cayless will escape a ban with the early plea after he received a grade one dangerous throw charge for a lifting tackle on St George Illawarra's Brett Morris.

Eels teammate Timana Tahu will also avoid a suspension with the early plea after a grade one charge for dangerous contact to the head or neck.

South Sydney's Eddy Pettybourne misses no action after a grade one careless high tackle charge in Sunday's win over Penrith.

Meanwhile, seven under-20 players have received high grade charges following a wild 80th minute brawl in the Cowboys-Manly national youth cup match on Saturday night.

The three Cowboys and four Sea Eagles youngsters have been charged with contrary conduct, with two receiving grade five bookings.

- AAP