NRL: Thurston meets with Bulldogs

Johnathan Thurston. Photo / Getty Images

North Queensland superstar Johnathan Thurston has met with Canterbury officials amid speculation about his future when he comes off contract at the end of next season.

News Ltd reports Thurston has been shown around the Bulldogs' Centre of Excellence in Belmore.

Thurston began his career with Canterbury in 2002 and won a premiership in 2004 before moving to Townsville.

Sources close to the 29-year-old say he may be tempted to return to Sydney and possibly Canterbury.

However most believe he will re-sign with the Cowboys, who remain adamant he'll be staying.

Earlier this week, Thurston was linked to Penrith, but the Panthers released a statement denying they were chasing the five-eighth.

News Ltd said Thurston arrived at the Bulldogs' Belmore facility about 8pm on Wednesday to avoid the media spotlight, with Canterbury coach Des Hasler and Thurston's manager Sam Ayoub attending the meeting.

"We are always in the market for marquee players," Bulldogs chief executive Todd Greenberg told News Ltd.

"Johnathan and his manager were in Sydney and, given he is a former Bulldogs player, we took the opportunity to meet with him and show him around the Bulldogs' new Centre of Excellence. We are disappointed this has made it into the media."

- AAP