Thurston backs Inglis as Roos captain

Retired Kangaroos great Johnathan Thurston believes Greg Inglis should be reinstated as captain once he returns from suspension next year. The Queensland captain had been named to skipper Australia against New Zealand last Saturday following Cameron Smith's representative retirement before being charged for speeding and drink driving. The centre was stood down for two Tests, meaning he will also miss Saturday's clash with Tonga in Auckland, but Thurston said should assume the post beyond that. "Yeah definitely; I think he's the man for the job," Thurston said. "We've seen what he did for the Maroons. In some of those games I thought he was the best on the paddock ... he leads by example
 

"We all make mistakes and he's made one and owned up to it and no doubt he'll want to put it behind him and be better for it." Boyd Cordner took the reins in Inglis's absence last Saturday as Australia were humbled 26-24 by an inspired New Zealand outfit. Calling for more composure, Thurston said they would need to lift or face further embarrassment against a Tongan side with plenty to prove. "I just think they lacked a bit of composure at times (against New Zealand)," he said. "I felt like they were trying to win the game every time they made a line break (and were) pushing the pass. "They'll (Tonga) be jumping out of their skin, very fired up and no doubt our boys will need to be a lot better than they were the other night."

Johnathan Thurston speaks for first time about 'horrific' family tragedy

The retired rugby league great launched his book at Suncorp Stadium on Tuesday, describing it as a scary but proud experience that led him to places he never thought he’d revisit. “There’s a lot of things in there that I thought I’d never talk about,” he said. “Being in the 2008 World Cup, the death of my uncle … it’s very open and honest and that’s what I love about it.” Eight men were jailed for bashing Richard Saunders to death in 2008 while Thurston was in camp with the Kangaroos. He ran out against Fiji just days later and claimed best on ground honours in a quarter-final performance he treasures as one of his most memorable.

“I knew how much it meant for my family to play in that game and think I got man of the match; think I went alright,” he laughed. “I haven’t spoken about the death of my uncle since it’s happened; it was a little bit overwhelming, having to relive it. “We’d lost a family member to horrific circumstances … it was very hard to talk about it.” Thurston also recalled his playing days as a junior and the “crushing feeling” of being ignored by talent scouts from the Brisbane Broncos and other clubs. He went on to play 323 NRL games and win titles with the Canterbury Bulldogs and North Queensland Cowboys, admitting there was always a chip on his shoulder. “I always believed in myself that I was better than the boys that were getting the Broncos tracksuits,” he said. “It was pretty crushing (being overlooked) but it helped shape who I am and made me more determined to stick it up ’em. “(While writing the book I learned) how strong I was.”