Feb 11th, 2018

Feb 11th, 2018

Johnathan Thurston might have one more year to go before he hangs up the boots for good but the North Queensland skipper is ready to hand over the reins now after indicating he will take a back seat to Michael Morgan at the Cowboys this season.

Thurston, 34, missed a chunk of last season with an ongoing shoulder problem but is looking forward to his final year in the NRL with a fully-fit North Queensland team rated as one of the favourites to taste premiership success in 2018.

Morgan did a superb job stepping up in Thurston's absence last season to keep defying the odds and guide the club into the grand final against eventual premiers Melbourne.

"He did a wonderful job last year and it was an insight into the future of our club," Thurston said.

North Queensland captain Johnathan Thurston will be looking for a big year in his final season with the club. (AAP)

"The more times we get the ball in his hands the better for our team."

Thurston wasn't the only player missing from the Cowboys line-up in 2017, with prop and co-captain Matt Scott also missing most of last season with a knee injury. He said it was important for the team to continue to grow even with the star duo to make a difference when they return in 2018.

"Matty Scott and myself missed a lot last year so we don’t want those boys to take a backwards step, they still need to continue to grow," Thurston said.

"I think if we can be competitive each week we'll be happy.

Working in the Cowboys' favour this year is that Thurston has already made the decision to retire from representative football. He played a key role in Queensland's series win last year and was given a hero's farewell even though he missed the last game with injury.

"Origin period takes a massive toll on your body physically but mentally more than anything and you've got to back up a few days later and play for your club," Thurston said.

Johnathan Thurston has made the decision to retire from representative football. (AAP)

"To not have to worry about that, I'm looking forward to that part of the season."

Thurston, will turn 35 in April, also said he had no regrets about deciding to retire and was looking forward to his final season with the Cowboys.

"It's been tough to get out of bed some mornings after training but knowing it's my last year I'm excited to come to training every day and be around the boys," Thurston said.

"I'm looking forward to it."