Three-time Dally M Medal winner Johnathan Thurston has today withdrawn from Australia’s train-on squad for the upcoming Four Nations tournament.

The Cowboys co-captain visited surgeon Dr John Maguire in Townsville yesterday and was advised that a shoulder injury would not allow him to fulfil his commitments to the Kangaroos.

Fellow co-captain Matt Scott is also out of Kangaroos contention after undergoing surgery on his shoulder today.

Thurston’s injury does not require surgery at this stage.

“It was a really difficult decision to have to make but in the end, the doctor really took it out of my hands when I saw him yesterday,” JT said.

“You never want to miss playing rep footy, and I’m very proud of my record in that area, but this time there’s no other option.

“I’d like to wish the Kangaroos all the best for the Four Nations.

“I’ll definitely be watching every match they play and cheering them on.”