The rugby league world is still reeling following news that Johnathan Thurston won't play rugby league again this season.

To make matters even more devastating, this will officially mark the end of JT's representative career, with the star confirming that he'll stand by his decision to hang up the rep jerseys at the end of 2017.

Speaking at a press conference in Townsville, JT said that this means he also won't be taking part in the Rugby League World Cup.

"I would love to but I don't think it's a reality," JT said.

"I obviously wanted to finish on a high this year with representative football but that is not to be and I am comfortable with that decision I have made to retire from rep football.